Discovery Tiktaalik

discovery site of tiktaalik fossils.

in 2004, 3 fossilized tiktaalik skeletons discovered in rock formed late devonian river sediments on ellesmere island, nunavut, in northern canada. estimated ages reported @ 375 mya, 379 mya, , 383 mya. @ time of species existence, ellesmere island part of continent laurentia (modern eastern north america , greenland), centered on equator , had warm climate. when discovered, 1 of skulls found sticking out of cliff. upon further inspection, fossil found in excellent condition 375-million-year-old specimen.

the discovery, made edward b. daeschler of academy of natural sciences, neil h. shubin university of chicago, , harvard university professor farish a. jenkins, jr, published in april 6, 2006, issue of nature , recognized transitional form. jennifer a. clack, cambridge university expert on tetrapod evolution, said of tiktaalik, s 1 of things can point , say, told exist, , there is.

neil shubin, 1 of paleontologists discovered tiktaalik, holding cast of skull

after 5 years of digging on ellesmere island, in far north of nunavut, hit pay dirt: collection of several fish beautifully preserved skeletons still intact. shubin s team studied species saw excitement missing intermediate looking for. found split difference right down middle, says daeschler.

the name tiktaalik inuktitut word meaning burbot , freshwater fish related true cod. fishapod genus received name after suggestion inuit elders of canada s nunavut territory, fossil discovered. specific name roseae cryptically honours anonymous donor. taking detailed @ internal head skeleton of tiktaalik roseae, in october 16, 2008, issue of nature, researchers show how tiktaalik gaining structures allow support on solid ground , breathe air, key intermediate step in transformation of skull accompanied shift life on land our distant ancestors.