Living Fossil
A living thing that has stayed almost the same for millions of years and looks like its ancient relatives.
What is it?
A living fossil is a species that has survived for a very long time with little change. The American paddlefish is a living fossil because it has existed for over 100 million years. Other examples include the coelacanth, the horseshoe crab, and the ginkgo tree. These species give us a glimpse into what life was like long ago.
Why it matters
Living fossils help scientists understand evolution and how life on Earth has changed. They are like time capsules that connect us to the past.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more living fossils.
