When did plants and animal first reach land?

Plants and animals first reached land during the Ordovician period, which lasted from about 485 million years ago to about 444 million years ago. This was a time of great environmental change, as the Earth's climate warmed and the oceans receded, exposing large areas of land. The first plants to colonize the land were likely simple bryophytes, such as mosses and liverworts. These plants were able to survive in the harsh conditions on land, such as the lack of water and nutrients. Over time, more complex plants evolved, such as ferns and seed plants. Animals also began to move onto land, starting with arthropods, such as insects and spiders. These animals were able to breathe air and had adapted limbs that allowed them to walk on land. Eventually, larger animals, such as amphibians and reptiles, also evolved.