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A Devonian tetrapod-like fish and the evolution of the tetrapod body plan

Nature volume 440, pages 757–763 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

The relationship of limbed vertebrates (tetrapods) to lobe-finned fish (sarcopterygians) is well established, but the origin of major tetrapod features has remained obscure for lack of fossils that document the sequence of evolutionary changes. Here we report the discovery of a well-preserved species of fossil sarcopterygian fish from the Late Devonian of Arctic Canada that represents an intermediate between fish with fins and tetrapods with limbs, and provides unique insights into how and in what order important tetrapod characters arose. Although the body scales, fin rays, lower jaw and palate are comparable to those in more primitive sarcopterygians, the new species also has a shortened skull roof, a modified ear region, a mobile neck, a functional wrist joint, and other features that presage tetrapod conditions. The morphological features and geological setting of this new animal are suggestive of life in shallow-water, marginal and subaerial habitats.

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Figure 1
Figure 2: NUFV 108, holotype of Tiktaalik roseae gen. et sp. nov., skull and pectoral region.
Figure 3: Drawing of the skull of NUFV 108, holotype of Tiktaalik roseae gen. et sp. nov., dorsal view.
Figure 4: Skull roofs of elpistostegalian fish and the early tetrapod Acanthostega.
Figure 5: NUFV 116, left lower jaw of Tiktaalik roseae.
Figure 6: Interpretive skeletal reconstruction of Tiktaalik.
Figure 7: Strict consensus tree from a phylogenetic analysis of 114 characters and nine taxa.
Figure 8: Palaeogeographic reconstruction of Euramerican landmass during the Late Devonian.

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Acknowledgements

The illustrations are the work of K. Monoyios (Figs 1, 5, 6, 7) and K. Luckenbill (Figs 2, 3, 4, 8). Specimens were prepared by C. F. Mullison. J. P. Downs discovered the NV2K17 locality. S. Gatesy discovered and excavated NUFV 108. This research was supported by permits from the Nunavut Ministry of Culture, Languages, Elders and Youth (D. Stenton, J. Ross), the Grise Fiord Hamlet and HTA, with logistical support from the Polar Continental Shelf Project (B. Hyrcyk, D. Maloley, J. MacEachern, W. Benoit, G. Benoit, N. Couture, H. Gordon, D. Clouthier, D. Mueller), and collections support from the Canadian Museum of Nature (S. Cumbaa, K. Shepherd). The elders of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Katimajiit of the Government of Nunavut provided the name for the new genus. A. Embry and U. Mayr provided input at the conception of the field project. M. Friedman and M. Coates supplied insights. Assistance in the field (1999–2004) was provided by W. Amaral, B. Atagootak, J. Conrad, M. Davis, J. Downs, S. Gatesy, S. Madsen, K. Middleton, K. Monoyios, C. Schaff, M. Shapiro, R. Shearman and C. Sullivan. This research was supported by a patron of our research, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Putnam Expeditionary Fund (Harvard University), the University of Chicago, the National Science Foundation, and the National Geographic Society Committee for Research and Exploration. Author Contributions E.B.D. and N.H.S. conceived and co-directed the project. F.A.J. Jr collaborated on all phases of the research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Pennsylvania, 19103, Philadelphia, USA

    Edward B. Daeschler

  2. University of Chicago, Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, 1027 E. 57th Street, Illinois, 60637, Chicago, USA

    Neil H. Shubin

  3. Harvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, 26 Oxford Street, Massachusetts, 02138, Cambridge, USA

    Farish A. Jenkins Jr

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  1. Edward B. Daeschler
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  2. Neil H. Shubin
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Correspondence to Edward B. Daeschler or Neil H. Shubin.

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Supplementary Notes

Character list and data matrix for phylogenetic analysis with 114 characters and nine taxa. (DOC 74 kb)

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Daeschler, E., Shubin, N. & Jenkins, F. A Devonian tetrapod-like fish and the evolution of the tetrapod body plan. Nature 440, 757–763 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nature04639

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