Eusthenopteron

/juːsˌθɛnɒpˈtɛrən/ noun

Definition

An ancient fish from the fossil record that had features between fish and land animals, showing how evolution led to creatures that could move onto land.

Etymology

From Greek 'eu-' (well) + 'sthenos' (strength) + 'pteron' (wing, fin). Named descriptively for its well-developed fins.

Kelly Says

Eusthenopteron fossils are like evolutionary time machines—their sturdy fins and lung-like breathing organs directly show how fish ancestors took their first steps toward becoming land animals 375 million years ago.

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