[1] The force of gravity on the surface of the Earth, normally denoted g, has remained constant in both direction and magnitude since the formation of the planet.
[citation needed] As a result, both plant and animal life have evolved to rely upon and cope with it in various ways.
Cells which were naturally larger than the size that gravity alone would allow for had to develop means to protect against internal sedimentation.
Prior to this point, most lifeforms were small and had a worm- or jellyfish-like appearance, and without this evolutionary step would not have been able to maintain their form or move on land.
In larger terrestrial vertebrates gravitational forces influence musculoskeletal systems, fluid distribution, and hydrodynamics of the circulation.