Scientists have recently uncovered new information about a fish that lived 375 million years ago, shedding light on the evolution of fins. These fins are crucial for the movement of fish in water and have evolved over time, including the development of scales on various parts of the body. These changes have also helped early ancestors of fish transition from water to land.

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the evolution of fish fins and their relation to movement on land. This discovery was made possible through the analysis of a key transitional form in fish evolution known as Tiktaalik roseae. Using microscopic tomography, scientists were able to reconstruct the organism and study its bones, revealing missing elements and joints in the fish’s fin.

The results of this study have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, providing valuable insights into the process of evolution and how fish move. The differences in fin length and body height among fish species highlight the flexibility and variation in the fins and limbs of the head region. Additionally, the fins are connected to the spine in the sacral region, contributing to overall body stability.

This new information adds to our understanding of the fascinating evolution of fish and their adaptation to different environments. It highlights the significant role fins play in the movement of fish and their ability to survive and thrive in both water and on land.