Coelacanth was caught in 1938 in South Africa. Why is it very significant in the evolutionary history of vertebrates?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Introduction to Coelacanth**: The Coelacanth is a rare deep-sea fish that was believed to have been extinct for about 66 million years, dating back to the late Cretaceous period. Its rediscovery in 1938 off the coast of South Africa was a significant event in paleontology.

2. **Significance as a "Living Fossil"**: The Coelacanth is often referred to as a "living fossil" because it has retained many primitive features that were present in its ancestors. This makes it a crucial specimen for studying the evolutionary history of vertebrates.

3. **Evolutionary Link**: The Coelacanth is significant because it represents a transitional form between fish and tetrapods (four-limbed animals). Its unique structure, particularly its lobed fins, suggests adaptations that could have allowed ancient fish to move onto land.

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