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Tiktaalik Fossil: Body

Launch Interactive
Topic
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Skin & Musculoskeletal System
  • Evolution
  • Paleobiology
  • Science Practices
  • Models & Simulations
Resource Type
  • Interactive Media
  • 3D Models
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Favorited By
2 Users
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Description

This model shows the skeleton of Tiktaalik, a vertebrate that existed about 375 million years ago and had features of both fish and tetrapods (four-limbed animals).

Many lines of evidence indicate that tetrapods evolved from fish ancestors between 385 million and 365 million years ago. Fossils of transitional forms, such as the prehistoric animal Tiktaalik, help scientists reconstruct the evolutionary steps from one lineage to another.

This 3D model shows that Tiktaalik had scales and fin rays like fish, and a neck like tetrapods. The model was created from 3D scans of fossil specimens. Researchers can use scans like these to study the anatomical features of fossilized organisms and learn about vertebrate evolution.

The 3D model can be viewed and rotated in the online 3D Viewer, which includes labels, measurements, and other information. Clicking the labels outlined in green reveals more detailed descriptions.

Copyright © Government of Nunavut. Used under license.

Details
Key Terms

anatomy, bone, fish, neck, scales, skeleton, tetrapod, transitional form, ulna

Terms of Use

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

Version History
Date Published 03.14.18
Date Updated 03.14.18
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

LS4.A, ESS2.E

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-2.B

IB Biology (2016)

5.1

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1

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