Revealing the patterns of macroevolution

Article Abstract:

The structure of the extinct lobe-finned fish Panderichthys shows that the evolution of amphibians from fish occurred rapidly and involved significant evolutionary changes. Panderichthys contained a slender tail in the place of the dorsal and anal fins, while its brain was identical to that of other lobed-finned fish. The fish was present during the late Middle or early Upper Devonian era, and changes in its limbs and braincase occurred over nine mil yrs. The evolution of amphibians explains the rare occurrence of intermediate forms' fossils, as evolution involves small changes that take place rapidly.

Research, Evolution (Biology), Amphibians, Fishes, Fossil, Fossil fishes

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An early Silurian vascular plant

Article Abstract:

The fossil plant Pinnatiramosus discovered in southwest China appears to be a vascular plant belonging to the Silurian age. The external and internal structure of the plant has no resemblance to vascular plants; however, the fossils show tracheid like structures and spores which are similar to early vascular plants. The bed containing the fossils has a Late Llandovery origin. Spore data shows that vascular plants were present in the Early Silurian era.

China, Observations, Natural history, Paleobotany

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