Find out, whether the discovery of a spectacularly preserved ancient coelacanth fish in Western Australia has changed our understanding of the evolutionary history of these ‘living fossils’, and how plate tectonics might have helped them to diversify.
Decoding The Enigmas Of Coelacanth Evolution
The recently described Ngamugawi wirngarri fossil tells scientists more than they’ve ever known about the early evolution of coelacanths.
The early evolutionary history of these so-called ‘living fossils’ has until now been shrouded in mystery owing to the fragmentary fossil record, with the ability to discern its evolutionary origins having been limited. This ancient coelacanth from the Gogo Formation in Western Australia, however, is about as well-preserved as one could ever hope for and has enabled new heights of knowledge regarding this fascinating fish’s history.
Instead, the results indicate that increased activity in tectonic plates of the crust of the Earth probably drove increases on coelacanth speciation. For example, new habitats that were forming and breaking up might have created opportunities for speciation, which would potentially allow the coelacanth lineage to persist through most of the Mesozoic Era (the Age of Dinosaurs).
Importance of the Gogo formation
Since the 70, the Gogo Formation of Western Australia has been acclaimed as afforded one of the most productive and pristinely preserved suites of fossil fishes (and invertebrates) on Earth. This ancient tropical reef stretches back roughly 380 million years, has produced a trove of stunning fossils that debris the early evolution of vertebrates.
One of the most exciting finds from the Gogo Formation are exquisitely preserved three-dimensional fish fossils, some with soft tissue preservation and even evidence of internal organs involved in reproduction. This is just the latest exciting find from this incredible site with the new coelacanth fossil, Ngamugawi wirngarri being added to a long list of important discoveries.
The researchers stress that the Gogo Formation, which is already considered to be one of the most important fossil sites in helping build up a picture of coelacanths’ early evolutionary history (a lineage which has survived more than 400 million years; as such they are close relatives of tetrapods – four-limbed vertebrates such as amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals), continues to deliver.
Conclusion
For the first time, they can view an exceptionally well-preserved wonder exquisitely represented in a mudfossil of Gnathorhiza already thriving at the bottom of an ancient world swamp, according to findings from a treasure trove deep in the Gogo Formation of Western Australia.
This may suggest that tectonics was responsible for initiating the diversification of coelacanth species as novel, isolated habitats were generated. This promotes exciting handling of what geological processes may have as an appearance as evolution unfolds its nature.
In addition, the high-quality preservation of theGogo fossils has enabled researchers to learn far more about the early anatomy and growth of this ancient lineage than previously possible (Figure 1), giving them a much clearer picture of broader patterns for making the transition from aquatic ancestors to terrestrial tetrapods. With further discoveries from the Gogo Formation, we may continue to advance knowledge of the evolution of our own line.
