Coelacanth fins and evolution
Article Abstract:
The coelacanth fishes' median fins probably evolved quickly through a major developmental mutation rather than gradually. Morphological comparison of coelacanth fin anatomy with that of other closely related sarcopterygian fishes such as the lungfishes showed that the coelacanths' fins are quite distinct in being pedunculate and in having a structure of complex basal plates. These anatomical features differ so greatly from the fish the coelacanths developed from that a major evolutionary leap must have occurred.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1992
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Vast database offers vision of biodiversity
Article Abstract:
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has approved proposals for a biodiversity databank, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). It is to be funded by existing national programmes, including the project to digitize natural history data by the US National Science Foundation. An important task for the GBIF will be the creation of a comprehensive list of species names.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Tangled tale of a lost, stolen and disputed coelacanth
Article Abstract:
Issues are discussed concerning claims by French scientists to have discovered a coelacanth in Indonesian waters in 1995. Close similarities between the Indonesian fish and a fish photographed in 'Nature' has created doubts as to the French fish's authenticity.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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