Living fossils still existing
Living fossils are species that have remained largely unchanged over millions of years and provide a unique link to the distant past. These species have survived mass extinctions and the changing climate, and are considered to be some of the most resilient species on Earth. Some examples of living fossils include:
Coelacanth: This fish is considered to be one of the oldest species on Earth and is a direct ancestor of the first land-dwelling vertebrates.
Horseshoe crab: These ancient arthropods have remained unchanged for over 400 million years and are still found in shallow waters along the Atlantic coast of North America.
Tuatara: This lizard-like reptile is found only in New Zealand and is the only remaining species of its kind.
Nautilus: This ancient cephalopod has remained largely unchanged for over 500 million years and is considered to be one of the most primitive living mollusks.
Ginkgo biloba: This ancient tree species has been unchanged for over 200 million years and is now found in temperate regions all over the world.
These species play an important role in scientific research, helping scientists to better understand the evolution of life on Earth. They are also fascinating to observe, and their resilience and adaptability are a testament to the power of nature and the diversity of life on our planet.
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