Evolution is defined as any change in the properties of populations that are inheritable from one generation to the next, ranging from slight changes in allele frequencies to major changes like the evolution of early life forms into modern organisms. Life began with single-celled microbes 3-4 billion years ago, with plants emerging around 475 million years ago and animals around 600-550 million years ago. Natural selection is the process where heritable traits increase an organism's chances of survival and reproduction, while artificial selection is selective breeding by humans to emphasize desired traits. The future of life depends on the availability of water, as water is essential for all living things.