Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
transitional-fossil
noun
/trænˈzɪʃənl ˈfɒsəl/
Definition
A transitional fossil is a type of fossil that shows the intermediate stages between different groups of organisms, helping to illustrate the evolutionary process.
Examples
- The Archaeopteryx is often cited as a transitional fossil between dinosaurs and modern birds.
- Tiktaalik roseae serves as a transitional fossil between fish and early land vertebrates.
- Louis Agassiz famously noted the importance of transitional fossils in understanding species evolution.
Meaning
Transitional fossils provide evidence for the gradual evolution of species over time, showcasing characteristics of both ancestral and derived forms.
Synonyms
- intermediate fossil
- transitional form
- bridging fossil
