Rediscovering the Coelacanth: A Journey Through Time and Tectonics

Coelacanths, once thought extinct, are deep-sea fish found off the coasts of southern Africa and Indonesia. Recent research revealed the best-preserved coelacanth fossil from northern Western Australia. The study showed tectonic activity as a primary driver of coelacanth evolution, challenging previous assumptions about their development.

Adelaide, Sep 13 (The Conversation) — Coelacanths, deep-sea fish inhabiting the coasts of southern Africa and Indonesia, have captivated scientists due to their remarkable survival over millions of years. Recent research published in Nature Communications discloses the discovery of the best-preserved coelacanth fossil to date, originating from the Gogo Formation in northern Western Australia.

This groundbreaking find offers unprecedented insight into the early anatomical features of coelacanths. Intriguingly, the study demonstrates that tectonic activity, rather than ocean temperature or oxygen levels, played a crucial role in the species' evolution.

Historically deemed extinct and dubbed 'living fossils,' coelacanths resurfaced in 1938, shocking the scientific community. Research now indicates that while modern coelacanths resemble their ancient counterparts, they continue to evolve in minute ways, shedding new light on their complex evolutionary history.

(With inputs from agencies.)