lobers

Lobers, also known as lobe-finned fish, are a group of fish that possess paired fins supported by a lobe-like structure. This group includes both living and extinct species, with the most well-known living examples being the coelacanths and lungfish. Lobers are characterized by their unique skeletal structure, which includes a series of fin rays connected to a lobe of bone, providing support for the fins.

The evolutionary history of lobers is complex and spans over 400 million years. They first appeared during the Devonian period and have since diversified into various forms, including the lobe-finned fish that are ancestral to modern tetrapods, the group that includes amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The coelacanths, which were thought to be extinct until their rediscovery in the 1930s, are a notable example of a lobe-finned fish that has remained relatively unchanged for millions of years.

Lobers play a significant role in paleontology and evolutionary biology. Their study provides insights into the transition from fish to tetrapods and the development of terrestrial vertebrates. The discovery of coelacanths has also highlighted the importance of preserving biodiversity and the potential for rediscovering long-lost species.