Home > Europe > United Kingdom > Scotland > Falkirk > Bo'ness
Acanthostega
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Acanthostega
Model of one of the earliest tetrapods, animals with back-bones capable of living on land. This Acanthostega lived during the late Devonian of East Greenland. It had 7 fingers, 8 toes and a fish-like tail
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 8607023
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10710380
Greenland North America North American Reptile Reptiles Reptilia Sauropsid Sauropsida
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Fishes
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> Scotland
> Falkirk
> Bo'ness
> North America
> Greenland
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This model showcases the enigmatic form of Acanthostega, an early tetrapod that inhabited the waters of East Greenland during the late Devonian period, around 375 million years ago. Acanthostega is considered one of the earliest known animals to possess a backbone and adaptations for living both in water and on land. Measuring approximately 1.5 meters in length, this prehistoric creature boasted several intriguing features. Its elongated, fish-like tail, which can be seen in this model, provided propulsion through water. However, its most distinctive feature was its limbs, which bore seven fingers and eight toes, a significant departure from the fins of their fully aquatic ancestors. Acanthostega is classified as a sauropsid, an ancestral group that eventually gave rise to reptiles and, later, birds. Despite its reptile-like characteristics, Acanthostega is not considered a reptile itself, as it lacked the key adaptations, such as a bony skeleton and a four-chambered heart, that define this group. The discovery of Acanthostega and other tetrapods marked a turning point in our understanding of the evolution of terrestrial life. These early explorers of land opened the door for the development of more complex organisms and, ultimately, the emergence of humans. This meticulously crafted model, sourced from Mary Evans Prints Online, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, allowing us to marvel at the wonders of evolution and the incredible journey of life on Earth.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
