Primitive vertebrate, artwork
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Primitive vertebrate, artwork
Primitive vertebrates, Haikouella lanceolata, artwork. H. lanceolata is an extinct, soft-bodied life-form, discovered in Lower Cambrian (520 million-year-old) deposits in Yunnan Province, China. It is thought to be a precursor to modern day vertebrates as fossils show early versions of features typically found in true vertebrates such as fishes. These include a spinal cord, internal organs, brain, gills, eyes, muscle blocks known as myomeres and a true tail. However, H. lanceolata does not have bones or a moveable jaw. Its spinal cord is protected by stiff tissue known as a notocord. H. lanceolata represents the evolutionary transition from invertebrates to vertebrates
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6372333
© CHRISTIAN DARKIN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ancestor Cambrian Chordata Chordate Early Evolution Evolutionary Evolutionary Bridge Evolutionary Gap Extinct Fossil Fossil Gap Fossil Vertebrate Fossils Intermediate Intermediate Fossil Intermediate Stage Missing Link Pre Historic Pre History Precursor Primitive Progenitor Proto Swimming Transitional Transitional Fossil Vertebrate Vertebrates Chordates Palaeontology
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable artwork of a primitive vertebrate, Haikouella lanceolata. Discovered in the Lower Cambrian deposits of Yunnan Province, China, this extinct life-form provides valuable insights into the evolutionary transition from invertebrates to modern-day vertebrates. Despite its soft-bodied nature, H. lanceolata exhibits early versions of various features commonly found in true vertebrates like fishes. The fossilized remains reveal intriguing characteristics such as a spinal cord, internal organs, brain, gills, eyes, myomeres (muscle blocks), and even a true tail. However, what sets H. lanceolata apart is its lack of bones or a moveable jaw. Instead, its spinal cord is protected by stiff tissue known as a notocord. Considered an important ancestor and missing link within the chordate family tree, this ancient creature represents an evolutionary bridge between different forms of life underwater. Its existence 520 million years ago sheds light on the origins and development of vertebrates throughout history. Through meticulous illustration and scientific expertise captured in this artwork by Science Photo Library's talented team, we gain access to an extraordinary glimpse into our prehistoric past. This print serves as a testament to the wonders of biology and paleontology while highlighting the significance of transitional fossils like H. lanceolata in understanding our own evolutionary journey.
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