Tetrapodomorph facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tetrapodomorphs Temporal range: early Devonian-Recent
The basal tetrapodomorph Tiktaalik
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Sarcopterygii
(unranked):	Rhipidistia
(unranked):	Tetrapodomorpha

Tetrapodomorpha is a group of vertebrates. In science, a group like this is called a clade. This special clade is part of the Sarcopterygii, which are also known as lobe-finned fish. Tetrapodomorpha includes all tetrapods (animals with four limbs) and their closest fish relatives. This whole group is also part of an even bigger group called Rhipidistia.

Scientists have found amazing transitional fossils that show how fish slowly changed into early land animals. One famous example is Tiktaalik. These fossils are sometimes called 'fishapods' because they look like a mix of fish and tetrapods. They have features of both, especially in their body shape and the structure of their fins or limbs.

What are Tetrapodomorphs?

Tetrapodomorpha includes two main types of animals:

• The first type is the stem group tetrapoda. These are ancient, extinct relatives of modern tetrapods. They show the journey from fish to land animals. This group includes several kinds of lobe-finned fishes, often called osteolepiforms.
• The second type is the crown group tetrapods. This group includes the last common ancestor of all living tetrapods and all the animals that came from it. This means all modern amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are part of this group.

Special Features of Tetrapodomorphs

Tetrapodomorphs have some unique features that help scientists identify them. One important change is in their fins. They have a special humerus bone (like our upper arm bone) that has a rounded end. This rounded end fits into a cup-shaped socket in their shoulder joint. This design allowed for stronger movement, which was important for moving on land.

Ancient Tetrapodomorph Fossils

Scientists have found fossils of tetrapodomorphs from the early Devonian period, which was a very long time ago. Some well-known examples of these ancient creatures include:

• Eusthenopteron
• Osteolepis
• Panderichthys
• Tiktaalik
• Ventastega
• Kenichthys

Fossils from the early Mississippian period, like Pederpes and Whatcheeria, are also considered early tetrapods. Scientists are still studying these fossils to understand their exact relationships within the tetrapodomorph family tree.

Related pages

• Tetrapod

See also

In Spanish: Tetrapodomorfos para niños