SARCOPTERYGII Meaning and
Definition
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Sarcopterygii is a term used in the field of biology and specifically in the study of vertebrates. It refers to a group of fish that is characterized by having lobed fins, also known as fleshy fins, which are supported by a series of bones. This term is derived from the Greek words "sarko," meaning flesh, and "pteryx," meaning fin.
Members of the Sarcopterygii group include both extinct and extant species, such as lungfishes and coelacanths. The defining feature of Sarcopterygii is the presence of muscular lobes at the base of their fins, which are thought to have allowed for more versatile and efficient locomotion in water compared to other fish groups. These fleshy lobes contain skeletal elements, often referred to as bones, which are homologous to the bones found in tetrapods (four-limbed vertebrates), including humans.
The Sarcopterygii group had a significant evolutionary impact, as it is considered to be the ancestor of all tetrapods. The lobed fins of Sarcopterygii likely played a crucial role in the transition of fish to terrestrial life, leading to the development of limbs in land-dwelling vertebrates. This evolutionary transition eventually led to the vast diversity of terrestrial animals, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
In summary, Sarcopterygii refers to a group of fish with fleshy fins supported by bony elements, which played a crucial role in the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.
Etymology of SARCOPTERYGII
The word "sarcopterygii" is derived from the Greek words "sarx" meaning "flesh", and "pteryx" meaning "fin". These Greek words were combined to form "sarcopterygii" due to the fleshy lobed fins that are characteristic of this group of fish. The term is used to refer to the lobe-finned fishes, which are a subclass of bony fish.
