Evolution: What is the current theory on the order of the development of life?

Question

Can anyone tell me what the current scientific consensus is concerning what kind of life was the first to appear on earth and where it appeared (land, sea, mud) and then what the progressive stages of development of life were (bacteria, plants, fish, animals, etc)? Please also explain why they think these things too or give sources as to where I can find out why they think what they do. I'd like to understand it in full, thanks.

Answer 1

here's a very good Web site:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/

Answer 2

The first signs of life would be the most basic forms of life. Here is a good site the give a brief overview of an experiment.

http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/Exobiology/miller.html

Answer 3

Any good current biology textbook will have the information you're after. I think the Wikipedia entry on evolution will also have what you're after.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution