Tiktaalik Fossil: Pectoral Fin

This model shows the pectoral fin bones 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, as well as limblike bones with wrists like those found in 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.