NEETZoologyEvolution
In 1938, a fish caught in South Africa happened to be a Coelacanth, which was previously thought to be extinct. It is considered a living fossil. Which of the following statements correctly describes the evolutionary significance of this group of animals according to NCERT?
Options
- AThey are connecting links between cartilaginous and bony fishes.
- BThey represent the direct ancestors of modern reptiles.
- CThey evolved into the first amphibians that lived on both land and water.
- DThey went completely extinct in the Mesozoic era leaving only fossilized atavistic traits.
Correct answer
C. They evolved into the first amphibians that lived on both land and water.
Step-by-step solution
According to NCERT, the Coelacanth caught in South Africa in 1938 belongs to a group of stout and strong-finned fishes called lobefins. These lobefins evolved into the first amphibians that lived on both land and water. They are considered living fossils because they have remained largely unchanged over millions of years. Option 1 is incorrect as they are not connecting links between cartilaginous and bony fishes. Option 2 is incorrect because amphibians, not lobefins directly, are the ancestors of reptiles. Option