Scientists working in the Canadian Arctic have discovered the fossil of a creature caught in the act of evolving from fish to land animal. The new discovery, named Tiktaalik, lived in warm, shallow waters some 383 million years ago.

According to the researchers, the animal had fins and scales like a fish. But,

"[w]hen we look inside the fin, we see a shoulder, we see an elbow, and we see an early version of a wrist, which is very similar to that of all animals that also walk on land."

Tiktaalik also had eyes on top of its head and the beginnings of a neck. Scientists postulate that it lived in shallow waters, pulling itself along the bottom with its arm-like fins. It used its neck to raise its head above the surface, to breathe and possibly to capture prey.

Three specimens of the creature were found, providing a clear picture of a pivotal moment in the evolution of life.

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