Fossil Discovery Alters Understanding of Fish Evolution

What's Happening?

A study published in Nature has changed the understanding of fish evolution by examining a fossil of a jawless fish called Norselaspis glacialis. Researchers found that this ancient fish had features thought to appear only after jaws evolved, suggesting that key developments in sensory abilities and movement came before jaws. This challenges the idea that jaws drove early evolution and indicates that jaws may have evolved later, building upon existing changes.

Why It's Important?

The research provides insights into the evolutionary changes of fish and their impact on aquatic ecosystems and human evolution. Understanding the development of sensory systems and movement before the evolution of jaws can reshape theories about the transition from prey to predator. The findings highlight the complexity of evolutionary processes and the importance of revisiting assumptions about the development of key anatomical features.