Ancient fish 'monsters' used fins to walk

Through the study, the rear fin of the Tiktaalik roseae fish has a solid structure that makes it easy to walk underwater.

A recent report by paleontologists at the University of Chicago indicates that the 375-million-year-old fish called Tiktaalik roseae was discovered in 2004 at Ellesmere Island, in northern Canada that could 'walk' Underwater.

Through fossil research, the researchers found that this Tiktaalik roseae fish is 2.7 meters long, has sharp teeth, a crocodile-like head, a flattened body, and bones that are similar to terrestrial animals. fins instead of hind legs.

Researcher Neil Shubin of the University of Chicago said the ancient creature possessed a fish-like trait like a primitive jaw, fins and scales, but the skull, neck, ribs or parts of similar limbs four-legged. Not only that, Neil Shubin also shared: 'When we look at the fin, we see that the fish has a shoulder blade, a primitive wrist form - elements similar to all animals walking on the ground. instant '.

This is the best example of a fish fossil that "shook" the boundary between two life forms - between aquatic animals and a terrestrial species. It is a step that marks the leap in evolution from underwater animals to vertebrates.

The model and the unearthed skeleton of Tiktaalik roseae

Besides, the researchers also paid attention to the posterior fins of Tiktaalik roseae - used as a pair of feet, to help them "walk" underwater. Accordingly, changes in the hips such as multiple joints, long fin rays connected to the abdomen have helped Tiktaalik move more easily.

However, paleontologists are still studying to find a solution to the problem, the effect of the posterior fins like that leg will be used by Tiktaalik to walk, swim or both? Perhaps, the rear fin evolution of Tiktaalik is a long chain of transitions of creatures moving from deep water to shallow waters to swamp and finally, settling on the ground.