I think you're describing the maximum complexity of life over time, which is an interesting thing to think about: the life forms that stand out among the rest f

I think you're describing the maximum complexity of life over time, which is an interesting thing to think about: the life forms that stand out among the rest for "how far" they evolve. In terms of other measures (total biomass, long-term survival, short-term adaptability), the life forms that stand out, historically, are very different. Ants, roaches, sharks, bacteria.