Organism
Ichthyosaurs
TL;DR
Extinct marine reptiles that convergently evolved streamlined, fusiform (torpedo-shaped) bodies similar to fish and dolphins.
Extinct marine reptiles that convergently evolved streamlined, fusiform (torpedo-shaped) bodies similar to fish and dolphins. The chapter uses ichthyosaurs as an example of morphological convergence driven by hydrodynamic constraints - the physics of fast swimming creates a single-peak fitness landscape where streamlining is the only viable solution.
Notable Traits of Ichthyosaurs
- Streamlined body
- Convergent with dolphins and fish