Living Fossils Are Dead! Long Live Living Fossils

The video explores the concept of living fossils, initially coined by Darwin, and how it has evolved over time. While some species appear unchanged, genetic studies reveal significant evolutionary changes. The term 'living fossil' is contentious, but efforts are underway to standardize its use, focusing on organisms with ancient lineages. Researchers propose criteria like the Evolutionary Performance Index (EPI) and the concept of Endangered Living Fossils (ELFs) to identify and protect these species. The video highlights the importance of genetic diversity and conservation in understanding evolutionary and geologic history.

What term did Darwin use to describe organisms that appear unchanged over millions of years?

• Ancient Species

• Living Fossils

• Evolutionary Relics

• Time Capsules

Why is the concept of living fossils considered contentious?

• Because they are extinct

• Because they are only found in specific regions

• Because their genomes have changed significantly

• Because they are not found in fossil records

What does the evolutionary performance index (EPI) aim to identify?

• Species that have not evolved at all

• Species with the most genetic diversity

• Living organisms with close ties to ancient lineages

• The oldest fossils in existence

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for an organism to be considered an endangered living fossil (ELF)?

• It must be critically endangered

• It must be evolutionarily distinct

• It must have a large population

• It must come from an ancient lineage

What is a significant feature of the ginkgo's genome?

• It is more than triple the size of the human genome

• It has remained unchanged for millions of years

• It is smaller than the human genome

• It lacks any defense mechanisms

Which fish was once thought to be extinct but is now considered an endangered living fossil?

• Salmon

• Coelacanth

• Tuna

• Shark

What is the main goal of redefining the term 'living fossil'?

• To identify species that have not changed at all

• To standardize the term for better scientific communication

• To eliminate the term from scientific literature

• To focus only on extinct species