Fossil hunter discovers new species of 210-million-year-old lungfish
Discovery sheds light on ancient ecosystem and evolution of fish
A new species of lungfish has been discovered in Zimbabwe, shedding light on the ancient ecosystem and evolution of fish.
The fossil, which is 210 million years old, was found by Steve Edwards, a safari guide in northern Zimbabwe. Edwards was exploring a remote area when he came across the fossil, which he initially mistook for a piece of wood.
Upon closer examination, Edwards realized that the fossil was actually the remains of a fish. He contacted paleontologists at the University of Zimbabwe, who identified the fossil as a new species of lungfish.
The new species has been named Tiktaalik roseae, after Edwards' wife, Rose. Tiktaalik is a genus of extinct sarcopterygian fish that lived during the Late Devonian period, around 375 to 360 million years ago.
Tiktaalik is a transitional species between fish and tetrapods, and its discovery is providing scientists with new insights into the evolution of land-dwelling animals.
The fossil of Tiktaalik is the most complete ever found, and it provides scientists with a wealth of information about the anatomy and behavior of this ancient fish.
The discovery of Tiktaalik is a major breakthrough in the study of evolution, and it is providing scientists with new insights into the origins of land-dwelling animals.
Komentar