Transitional fossil
From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.
A transitional fossil is a fossil specimen that combines features of two taxonomical divisions. According to evolution, a transitional form represents an evolutionary stage between divisions.
When Charles Darwin's Origin Of Species was first published, the fossil record was poorly known, and the claim that there was a lack of transitional fossils was perfectly reasonable. However, the discovery of Archaeopteryx only two years later was seen as a stunning triumph for Darwin's theory of common descent. Similarly, O.C. Marsh provided groundbreaking evidence of transitional fossils in the evolution of horses. Since that time, many more transitional fossils have been found.
Specimens claimed to be transitional forms include:
- Pakicetids
- Various hominids, including proto-humans
External links
nl:Fossiele_overgangsvormen
