Puijila darwini is the latest example of a long list of transitional forms that were predicted to exist by paleontologists using evolutionary theory prior to their eventual discovery.
Interestingly, this particular transitional form was first predicted by Charles Darwin over 150 years ago:
"A strictly terrestrial animal, by occasionally hunting for food in shallow water, then in streams or lakes, might at last be converted into an animal so thoroughly aquatic as to brave the open ocean."
On the Origin of Species, 1859
Here's a brief documentary that explains the significance of this discovery.
Apparently, new fossil discoveries now come with their own interactive website. The Puijila darwini 3D Imaging Centre is just about the coolest thing ever!
Awesome!
posted by Jeremy Mohn
