New species of ancient bony fish discovered in South Africa

Introduction Recent research by Robert Gess, of Rhodes University's Albany Museum and Geology Department, and Per Ahlberg, of Uppsala University, has identified a newly discovered species of tristichopterid fish. This ancient bony fish, an extinct form of lobe-finned fish, was first discovered in South Africa and has since been studied and published in PLOS ONE. In this article, we will take a closer look at the discovery and implications of their research. What is a Tristichopterid? A tristichopterid is an ancient bony fish that evolved in the Devonian period. This lobe-finned fish is believed to have had a similar structure to the skeletal system of tetrapods, which are land animals with four limbs, such as reptiles, birds, and mammals. Tristichopterids, however, were aquatic animals and were distinguished by their lobed fins and girdles, as well as their heavy armor. Analysis of the Fossil Specimen Robert Gess and Per Ahlberg conducted a thorough analysis of the fossil specimen in order to identify the species. They used a combination of morphological analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and CT scans to obtain a comprehensive study of the fossil. Through these methods, they were able to accurately identify the specimen as a new species of tristichopterid and give it the name Tristichopterus palaeoplethys. Implications of the Discovery The discovery of this new species of tristichopterid is an important contribution to the field of paleontology. Not only does it fill in some of the gaps in our understanding of the ancient bony fish, but it also adds to the evidence that tristichopterids were closely related to the early land-dwelling tetrapods. This discovery could potentially provide further insight into the evolution of tetrapods and the transition from water to land. Conclusion The recent discovery of the new species of tristichopterid is a milestone in the field of paleontology. Robert Gess and Per Ahlberg were able to accurately identify the fossil specimen as a new species of tristichopterid, giving it the name Tristichopterus palaeoplethys. Through their research, they were also able to provide further evidence of the close relationship between tristichopterids and the earliest land-dwelling tetrapods. This discovery could potentially be a major contribution to our understanding of the evolution of tetrapods and the transition from water to land.

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