In 2006, an amazing
discovery was made in Nunavut, Northern Canada – an ancient fossil of a fish
with limbs. Called “the fish that made
humans possible”, Tiktaalik
demonstrated how Fish transformed Themselves to live on the land. The Nunavut Elders Council named this
remarkable animal, “Tiktaalik” which
their language means “large shallow-water fish”.
The world of Tiktaalik was one of rapid change.
During the Devonian Period of 375 million years ago, plants began to
colonize the land. As the plants
expanded their territory, they stabilized the soil, and thereby created new
habitats such as marshes and swamps.
Fish now had new places to raise their young and to obtain food. In addition, the shallow waters also enticed Them
to venture onto the shore in search for more food.
Called a “fishapod”, Tiktaalik was a transitional animal
between Fish and Tetrapods (early land animals). When She went on the land, She used her limbs
to prop Herself up and her “proto-lungs” to breathe the air. Other non-Fish characteristics that Tiktaalik possessed were a defined skull
and a neck. Scientists believe that Tiktaalik hunted like a crocodile,
lurking in the reeds, and then ambushing her prey.
Once the plants created new
environments on the land, Tiktaalik
bravely ventured out to explore these new places. Opportunity knocked and She answered. Tiktaalik
dared to go out into the unknown, and was changed for the better. She had taken the beginning steps to becoming
a land-dwelling animal.
When you are hesitant about an
opportunity, follow Tiktaalik’s
example, and “go for it”. Answer that
knock at your door, and take the chance.
Since She went on land for a better life, let Tiktaalik be your guide for going into the unknown. But remember that like Tiktaalik, you will be changed in ways that you may not have
foreseen.
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