name the following - (i)A living fossil (ii)A missing link (iii)A connecting link

Answer

### Step-by-Step Text Solution:

1. **Living Fossil**:
- A living fossil is an organism that has remained relatively unchanged over a long period of geological time and still exists today. These organisms are not fossils in the traditional sense, as they are still living, but they are often referred to as such because they resemble ancient species that have since become extinct.
- **Example**: The Ginkgo tree is a well-known example of a living fossil. It has existed for millions of years and has very few relatives that are still alive today.

2. **Missing Link**:
- A missing link refers to a species that exhibits traits common to two different groups of organisms, effectively connecting them in the evolutionary chain. This term is often used to describe transitional species that provide evidence for the evolutionary process.
- **Example**: Archaeopteryx is a classic example of a missing link, as it shows characteristics of both reptiles and birds, illustrating the evolutionary transition from dinosaurs to modern birds.

3. **Connecting Link**:
- A connecting link is a species that serves as a bridge between two distinct groups of organisms. It can show traits that are intermediate between the two groups, helping to illustrate evolutionary relationships.
- **Example**: An example of a connecting link could be the platypus, which has characteristics of both mammals and reptiles, thus linking these two groups.