Have coelacanths been found in the fossil record?
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Yes, coelacanths have a rich fossil record dating back over 360 million years. They were once thought to have gone extinct during the Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago, until the discovery of living specimens in 1938. Coelacanth fossils have been found all over the world, and they are important for understanding the evolution of vertebrates, particularly the transition from fish to tetrapods (land-dwelling vertebrates).
Yes, coelacanths are well-represented in the fossil record. They have a long evolutionary history dating back hundreds of millions of years. Fossils of coelacanths have been discovered in sedimentary rock formations around the world, providing valuable insights into the evolution of this group of fish.
Coelacanth fossils have been found in various geological formations, with some species that lived during the Devonian period, about 360 million years ago, and others from the Mesozoic era, such as the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery of living coelacanths in the 20th century was remarkable because they were previously thought to have gone extinct around 66 million years ago. The coelacanth's unique position as a "living fossil" has fascinated scientists and researchers studying evolution and paleontology.
Coelacanth fossils have been found in various geological formations, with some species that lived during the Devonian period, about 360 million years ago, and others from the Mesozoic era, such as the Late Cretaceous period. The discovery of living coelacanths in the 20th century was remarkable because they were previously thought to have gone extinct around 66 million years ago. The coelacanth's unique position as a "living fossil" has fascinated scientists and researchers studying evolution and paleontology.
Yes, coelacanths are known from the fossil record. They were once thought to be extinct, with fossil evidence dating back around 400 million years. However, the surprising discovery of a living coelacanth species off the coast of South Africa in 1938 challenged this assumption. The living species discovered is known as Latimeria chalumnae. The fossils and the living coelacanth provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these ancient fish.