Filling the Gaps

Scientists report the discovery of a 375 million year old fossil of a marine animal that displays the structural precursors of the yet to appear amphibians. This precursor to land animals has been considered to fill a significant gap in the fossil record.

Specifically, the appendages show development of digits, wrists, elbows, and weight bearing shoulders, features not present, or necessary, in fish. What few gaps remain in the fossil record are being filled as the fossil record becomes more complete clarifying our understanding of the evolutionary process.