Quick Answer: Are Fish Descendants Of Dinosaurs Explained

In a recent paper published in the Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics, researchers delved into the intriguing question of whether fish and dinosaurs are related. The study focused on a specific group of fish known as lobed-finned or sarcopterygian fish, which played a pivotal role in our evolutionary history. Approximately 398 million years ago, these ancient fish emerged and ultimately gave rise to a common ancestor shared by both modern-day birds and reptiles, including dinosaurs. This connection sheds light on the fascinating evolutionary journey that links these seemingly disparate groups of creatures. [Note: The date “30th Dec 2008” in the original passage did not seem to contribute to the topic, so it was omitted in the rewrite.]

Fish did not evolve immediately after the extinction event that occurred 66 million years ago and wiped out the dinosaurs. Instead, fish have a much older evolutionary history, dating back hundreds of millions of years. Following the demise of the dinosaurs, the Earth underwent significant environmental changes, which also had an impact on fish evolution. Over time, fish continued to evolve and diversify, ultimately contributing to the rich array of fish species we observe today. To fully grasp this topic, it’s important to recognize that fish predate dinosaurs by a vast span of time and have continually adapted to the changing world around them.

Paleontologists have made a groundbreaking discovery by uncovering the fossilized remains of Ligulalepis, the world’s oldest bony fish. This remarkable find provides a glimpse into life during the Devonian period, approximately 400 million years ago. Ligulalepis, being the earliest known bony fish, holds a crucial place in the evolutionary history of aquatic creatures. Its existence sheds light on the question of whether fish or dinosaurs came first in the timeline of Earth’s inhabitants. This significant revelation occurred on June 1, 2018, and it not only deepens our understanding of prehistoric life but also establishes a vital link to our own ancestors.