Asked by Kevin Dixon on Jul 08, 2024
Verified
What skeletal adaptations allowed fishes to evolve into four-legged walkers and land dwellers?
Skeletal Adaptations
Changes in the skeletal structure that occur over time to help an organism better survive in its environment.
Four-Legged Walkers
Animals that use all four limbs to support their movement across a substrate, showcasing a quadrupedal mode of locomotion.
Land Dwellers
Organisms that live predominantly or entirely on land as opposed to in the water or air.
- Explain the evolution of fishes to terrestrial animals, including both skeletal and nonskeletal adaptations.
Verified Answer
GM
Graciela MazurkJul 09, 2024
Final Answer :
Bones of a lobe-finned fish's pectoral fins and pelvic fins are homologous with those of an amphibian's front and hind limbs. During the transition to land, these bones became larger and better able to bear weight. Ribs enlarged and a distinct neck emerged, allowing the head to move independently of the rest of the body.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the evolution of fishes to terrestrial animals, including both skeletal and nonskeletal adaptations.