The fossil fish Tiktaalik made headlines in 2005 because it
A) was preserved with a hook in its mouth and represents the oldest evidence of human fishing.
B) was the largest shark ever recovered from the fossil record.
C) represents a transitional form between lobe-finned fish and terrestrial vertebrates.
D) was found alive in the modern deep ocean; previously,the fish was thought to be extinct.

Question

The fossil fish Tiktaalik made headlines in 2005 because it 
A) was preserved with a hook in its mouth and represents the oldest evidence of human fishing. 
B) was the largest shark ever recovered from the fossil record. 
C) represents a transitional form between lobe-finned fish and terrestrial vertebrates. 
D) was found alive in the modern deep ocean; previously,the fish was thought to be extinct.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tiktaalik is an important transitional fossil because it has a mix of fish-like and tetrapod-like features, such as a neck, ribs, and wrist-like bones. It is considered a key example of a species that bridged the gap between aquatic and terrestrial animals during the evolution of vertebrates. It has nothing to do with human fishing, sharks, or modern-day existence.

The Fossil Fish Tiktaalik Made Headlines in 2005 Because It