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Exploring Transitional Fossils

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Image from the interactive showing various tetrapods

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
  • Evolution
  • Paleobiology
  • Earth Science
  • Earth History

Resource Type

  • Interactive Media
  • Click & Learn

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Used In
1 BioInteractive Playlists
Saved By
50 Users
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Description

This interactive module allows students to examine fossils of fish, tetrapods (four-limbed animals), and their transitional forms.

Both fish and tetrapods are types of vertebrates. Fish were the first vertebrates to appear in the fossil record, more than 500 million years ago. Because tetrapods appeared in the fossil record later, about 365 million years ago, scientists have hypothesized that tetrapods evolved from fish. This hypothesis is supported by transitional forms, which have features of both fish and tetrapods, that appeared in the fossil record between 390 million and 360 million years ago.

In this Click & Learn, students examine fossils of prehistoric vertebrates, including transitional forms, and compare their anatomical features. They also compare these features to those of the coelacanth, the only living member of an ancient group of lobe-finned fish.

The accompanying worksheet guides students’ exploration.

Student Learning Targets

Compare anatomical features of fish, tetrapod, and transitional form skeletons to identify differences and similarities.

Estimated Time

Two 50-minute class periods.

Key Terms

adaptation, anatomy, Charles Darwin, coelacanth, fish, gills, Great Transitions, lungs, skeleton, tetrapod, Tiktaalik

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Version History

Date Published 05.30.14
Date Updated 09.03.21

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS4-1, HS-LS4-5

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1.N, EVO-3.G; SP2, SP6

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.2

Common Core (2010)

ELA.RST.9-12.2, ELA.WHST.9-12.4
MP2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1; DP1

Materials

Student Worksheet (PDF) 1 MB

Educator Tips

Hear how educators are using BioInteractive content in their teaching.
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1-Minute Tips

Your Inner Fish and Origin of Tetrapods

Chi Klein describes how she uses both the "Your Inner Fish" film series and the "Origin of Tetrapods" short film in her classroom. These films are accompanied by a wealth of additional educational materials about the evolutionary origins of the anatomical features found in animals today.
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Explore Related Content

Other Resources About Tiktaalik

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Tiktaalik Fossil: Skull
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3D Models
Tiktaalik Fossil: Body
Image of the 3D pectoral fin from the interactive
3D Models
Tiktaalik Fossil: Pectoral Fin
Image of the 3D pelvis from the interactive
3D Models
Tiktaalik Fossil: Pelvis
Image of the 3D humerus from the interactive
3D Models
Tiktaalik Fossil: Humerus
Computer image of Tiktaalik from the video
Film Activities
Activity for Your Inner Fish
Image of a human skeleton from the interactive
Click & Learn
Explore Your Inner Animals
Photo from the film of Neil Shubin holding a Tiktaalik fossil
Film Activities
Activity for The Origin of Tetrapods
Photo of two girls looking at Tiktaalik
Clips
Young Students Recognize a Transitional Fossil

Other Related Resources

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Photo from the film of Neil Shubin holding a Tiktaalik fossil
Film Activities
Activity for The Origin of Tetrapods
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Click & Learn
Deep History of Life on Earth
Photo of Tyler Lyson from the video
Scientists at Work
How To Find a Dinosaur
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Interactive Videos
Interactive Assessment for The Origin of Birds
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Short Films
Great Transitions: The Origin of Birds
Photo of a hawk from the video
Film Activities
Activity for The Origin of Birds
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Click & Learn
The Making of Mass Extinctions
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Short Films
Out of the Ashes: Dawn of the Age of Mammals
Image of a prehistoric mammal taken from the film.
Film Activities
Activity for Out of the Ashes
Photo of Barnosky and Maguire from the film
Scientists at Work
Anthony Barnosky and Kaitlin Maguire Measure Mammal Extinctions at the John Day Fossil Beds

This Resource Appears in the Following Playlists

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Teaching Evolution Using Lizards and Tetrapods
Teaching Evolution Using Lizards and Tetrapods
7 Resources
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