In 1938, a fish caugnt in________happened to be a coelacanth which was thought to be extinct.

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Context**: The question refers to a significant discovery in the field of paleontology and evolutionary biology. The coelacanth is an ancient fish that was believed to have gone extinct approximately 66 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.

2. **Identifying the Year and Location**: The year mentioned in the question is 1938. The location where the coelacanth was rediscovered is crucial to answering the question.

3. **Rediscovery of the Coelacanth**: In 1938, a fisherman caught a fish near the coast of South Africa. This fish was identified as a coelacanth, which surprised scientists because it was thought to be extinct.

4. **Significance of the Discovery**: The rediscovery of the coelacanth was monumental for biologists as it provided insights into the evolution of vertebrates, particularly the lineage leading to tetrapods (four-limbed animals).

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the complete answer to the question is: "In 1938, a fish caught in **South Africa** happened to be a coelacanth which was thought to be extinct."

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