Coelacanth
Coelacanth |
The primitive-looking Latimeria chalumnae (pronounced SEEL-uh-kanth) was thought to own gone extinct with the dinosaurs sixty five million years past. however its discovery in 1938 by a South African repository conservator on an area fishing trawler fascinated the planet and lighted a discussion concerning however this flaky crossopterygian fits into the evolution of land animals
There square measure solely 2 famed species of coelacanths: one that lives close to the land Islands off the geographical area of continent, and one found within the waters off Celebes, Indonesia. several scientists believe that the distinctive characteristics of the Latimeria chalumnae represent associate early step within the
evolution of fish to terrestrial four-legged animals like amphibians
Coelacanth |
The most putting feature of this "living fossil" is its paired lobe fins that reach aloof from its body like legs associated move in an alternating pattern, sort of a racehorse. different distinctive characteristics embody a hinged joint within the os that permits the fish to widen its mouth for big prey; associate oil-filled tube, known as a back, that is a backbone; thick scales common solely to extinct fish, associated an electrosensory rostral organ in its snout doubtless wont to observe prey
Coelacanths square measure elusive, sea creatures, living in depths up to two,300 feet (700 meters) below the surface. they will be large, reaching 6.5 feet (2 meters) or additional and deliberation 198 pounds (90
Coelacanth |
kilograms). Scientists estimate they will live up to sixty years or additional
Their population numbers square measure, predictably, not documented, however studies within the land recommend solely concerning one,000 stay there. they're thought-about associate species