Question

what is so special about the structure of coelacanth? what type of animal do scientists believed evolved from this type of fish?

Answer 1

Coelacanths were only found in fossils and were considered to be an extinct fish. But in 1938, a live coelacanth was found in South Africa and the other one was found in Indonesian market in 1997. Special structure are

1. Coelacanths have a fascinating locomtion fins that extends from the body which looks like legs. The movement of these fins resembles walking.
2. An intracranial joint known as hinge is present in the skull that allows the fish to prey on large things.
3. Notochord is an oil filled pressurized tube that acts as a backbone.

Scientists believe that four legged amphibians are the animals that must have been evolved from this type of fish.