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The Fish-Tetrapod Transition (Summer Repeat)

In Our Time

Unveiling Tiktaalik: The Bridge Between Fish and Land Animals

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Tiktaalik, discovered in 2004, serves as a crucial fossil in understanding the transition from fish to tetrapods, embodying a notable evolutionary link. This fossil was found in Canada and quickly gained recognition for its significance in capturing evolution in action. Measuring about a meter long, Tiktaalik exhibits a hybrid morphology reminiscent of both salamanders and fish, characterized by features such as muscular fins with a prominent bone structure, a neck, a flat head with eyes positioned on top, and a robust rib cage. These adaptations indicate its partial transition to a terrestrial lifestyle while still residing in aquatic environments like tidal flats and shallow streams. The adaptations suggest Tiktaalik utilized its limbs for movement along the bottom, highlighting its role in the evolutionary journey towards land animals. Key evolutionary changes were necessary for survival out of water, primarily transitioning from gill-based respiration to lung use, which involves significant anatomical modifications, particularly in the throat and gill structures. These shifts mark a pivotal evolutionary milestone, providing insights into the adaptations required for life on land.

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