Scientists know surprisingly little about how and when the fish grew their legs and made it onto land.It is assumed that this is
In a new study published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution, scientists have determined the most accurate time frame for the first appearance of legs in fish.The researchers also found that the development of the anatomy of the ancestors of tetrapods progressed slowly due to theBut, after these animals came to land, anatomical development accelerated significantly, which is associated with the need to adapt to new environmental conditions.
During the study, scientists usedmathematical modeling to estimate the rate of evolution of the legs and combined it with data on fossil footprints and bodies. The experts concluded that the bones of the skull and jaws were the fastest to improve. This was due to the need to find food for survival. After that, the limbs underwent the same rapid changes, which is also associated with adaptation and the need for survival.
Credit: Thiago R. Simoins and Stephanie E. Pearce.
The team also found that the bipedal "cousins" of tetrapods evolved very slowly, and their anatomical structures were stable and virtually unchanged . However, tetrapods grew legs very quickly after the evolutionary split.
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