Which organism is considered a living fossil?

The term "living fossil" refers to organisms that have remained relatively unchanged over millions of years, exhibiting characteristics similar to their ancient ancestors. In this context, the Archaeopteryx is recognized for bridging the gap between reptiles and birds, showcasing features of both groups. Although it holds a significant place in the evolutionary timeline due to its unique blend of traits, it is not considered a living fossil in the strictest sense because it is an extinct genus.

On the other hand, the coelacanth is a prime example of a living fossil. This ancient fish was thought to have gone extinct around 66 million years ago until a specimen was discovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. Its body structure has changed very little over the eons, making it a direct descendant of prehistoric species.

The horseshoe crab and Ginkgo biloba also qualify as living fossils. Horseshoe crabs have preserved a similar morphology for around 450 million years, while Ginkgo biloba, a tree species, has remained relatively unchanged for about 200 million years.

Thus, while Archaeopteryx is a pivotal species in the study of evolution and bird origins, it would not be accurately classified as a living fossil due to its extinction and lack of