- Despite existing for millions of years, sharks have experienced relatively little evolutionary change.
- They are considered living-fossils, exhibiting adaptations that have remained virtually unchanged since their prehistoric origins.
- The shape, structure, and dental patterns of sharks have remained remarkably consistent, exemplifying their slow evolutionary rate.
Lingula Brachiopods
- These marine creatures, belonging to the phylum Brachiopoda, have inhabited the Earth's oceans for over 500 million years.
- Lingula Brachiopods showcases how evolution can occasionally exhibit periods of stasis, where they undergo minimal change for extended durations.
Horseshoe Crabs
- Horseshoe Crabs, also known as Limulus, have ancient lineage that extends back to the Paleozoic era, approximately 450 million years ago.
- Their appearance and overall morphology display remarkable similarities to their prehistoric counterparts.
Gingko Trees
- Gingko Trees, holding the distinction of living fossils, have thrived for more than 270 million years.
- Their unique structure, including their fan-shaped leaves, has demonstrated remarkable stability over evolutionary time.
Jellyfish
- Jellyfish, with their gelatinous bodies, belong to an extraordinarily ancient lineage that stretches back over 542 million years.
- Their basic physical characteristics have been highly preserved throughout that timespan, exhibiting stability and little change.