380-Million-Year-Old Coelacanth Fossil Rewrites Evolutionary History

A remarkably well-preserved fossil discovered in Western Australia reveals a new coelacanth species. The find dates back roughly 380 million years to the Devonian Period. Scientists have named the species Ngamugawi wirngarri. Coelacanths have long been called 'living fossils' for their ancient origins. Yet recent research shows they are still evolving today. These fish have endured for 410 million years, surviving multiple mass extinctions.

The newly uncovered fossil is the most pristine coelacanth specimen ever found. Its discovery adds to the understanding of their global spread, as coelacanths have been found on every continent except South America. They were once believed extinct until live specimens were rediscovered in the 20th century.

Tectonic activity appears to have shaped their evolution. Periods of increased seismic movement often coincided with the emergence of new coelacanth species. This connection suggests shifting landmasses influenced their development. Coelacanths also share a closer relationship with tetrapods than with most other fish. The fossil of Ngamugawi wirngarri provides fresh insight into coelacanth history. It highlights their resilience and adaptability over millions of years. The discovery also underscores the role of geological changes in their survival and diversification.