"Unchanged Through Time: 5 Living Fossils of the Earth"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by National Geographic
The article discusses five "living fossils" that have survived for millions of years, including the horseshoe crab, tuatara, nautilus, coelacanth, and ginkgo tree. These organisms are descendants of ancient lineages and closely resemble their fossilized ancestors. Despite their outward similarity, their DNA has evolved over time. The survival of these living fossils is attributed to their tolerance for environmental conditions and marine habitats. However, human interference and exploitation have endangered some of these species, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.