First Complex Cells
Approximately 2 billion years ago
Earth & LifeFirst Complex Cells
Cells with internal structures.
Cells with a nucleus and other internal structures emerged in Earth’s early history. These eukaryotic cells became the ancestors of animals, plants and fungi.
The timing is uncertain. Estimates range from about 3 to 1.6 billion years ago, and 2 billion is a representative figure.
Approximately 2 billion years ago, placed on the scale of its era on a line leading toward now.
- Era
- Earth & Life
- Period
- Approximately 2 billion years ago
- Edition
- 1/1
- Status
- Not Released
Background artwork
An original illustration generated for TIME with an AI image model, 2026. An artistic reconstruction of an early cell with a nucleus. It is an interpretation and does not show a known fossil. No picture of the first complex cell exists.