Have you ever felt an emotional connection with your pet goldfish? Have you ever wondered why human beings have a strong fascination with mermaids? Well, the association might be more deeply rooted than you thought.

The human connection with fish or sea-animals has now theorized to go much further back in time. In 2004, fossils of an ancient fish, called ‘Tiktaalik’ were discovered by Neil Shubin in the Canadian Arctic. Upon this discovery, Shubin concluded that the fish could be one of the most significant human ancestors.

However, Shubin wasn’t the first to talk about this discovery. Anaximander, an ancient Greek Philosopher, pioneered this discussion by offering the concept of human evolution from the species of fish. He believed that the first-ever creature that existed in the world was created from some moist elements through the process of evaporation. After a long period of time, when the weather became suitable for a human’s survival, evolution took place.

While this theory was perceived to be absurd in that era, the current findings support it now more than ever. The concept has gained popularity among many skeptics as a result of the following similarities between human beings and ancient fish species:

The common philtrum

The philtrum is an area above the upper lip and below the nose. While it doesn’t have a known function, its presence can be linked to the fish ancestors. When a human body is developed in the womb, it is noted that the embryo growth resembles that of a fish. If you watch a video of human embryo development, you can see that the eyes are initially created at the sides of the head. After some time, they move closer together.

Similarly, the nostrils and the middle region of the lip in the embryo are built towards the top of the head, thus resembling an Eel. However, at a later stage of development, these features move towards their respective places. This migration of the nose and the upper lip may be responsible for the philtrum.

The ability to speak

Even though fish are unable to speak, the quality of sound in a human being may have come from the fish ancestors. The human embryos also comprise of gill-like structures in the embryo’s neck. These are called gill arches, which are found in the bony coils of the embryo’s neck. When a fish is being developed, the gill arches transform to become a part of the gill apparatus. Whereas, in a human being, these arches are fused to become the bones of the lower jaw, middle ear as well as the voice box. Hence, the theory believes that the ability to generate voice in human beings is through the evolution of fish.

The ability to hear

In addition to giving us a voice box, the fish ancestors also provided the gift of hearing. This idea became evident by studying the evolution of the ancient fish, Eusthenopteron. Eusthenopteron existed in the world around three-hundred and seventy million years ago. However, it did not lead to a very comfortable life. This is because a minor part of its jaw bone, called the hyomandibula, constantly stabbed into its gills.

After several million years, the bone transformed into a cavity by the ear, which can be noticed in the descendants of Eusthenopteron. When this cavity came into being, it started amplifying sound. This bone eventually became the ‘stape’ - which is the section of the ear that is responsible for hearing.

The development of hernias

The evolution from fish also came with some downsides. The development of hernias in the groin region may be the result of evolution. In fish, the gonads (the organ that produces gametes; testis or ovary) are found near the heart. Parallel to this, the human embryos start developing the gonads in the chest region, near the heart. However, as human beings are warm-blooded creatures, the gonads require a cooler place to settle. Hence, during the twelfth week of pregnancy, the gonads migrate downwards towards the body. Particularly, for men, these gonads break the body wall to form testicles. As a result, they leave a spot of weakness behind that can eventually cause hernias easily.

The creation of fingers

Life without fingers would be extremely terrifying. You will not be able to use your phone, or pick up things or eat Chinese food.  So, thank your fish ancestors for the gene that develops fingers.

While fishes themselves do not have fingers, they do comprise of a gene that facilitates their development. In the 1980s, scientists experimented with the ‘sonic hedgehog gene’ (a gene that allows animals to form digits). When this gene was modified or mutated in certain animals, the creatures were able to grow fins and fingers.  Hence, it can be said that the increase of the sonic hedgehog genes in the fish may be responsible for them to crawl out of the water and onto the land.

Although the theory of evolution is still just a theory, it makes a lot of sense if you reflect on all the evidence. So, if you want to write a paper on this subject, take assistance from a coursework help service!