Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Fish Reveal Origins of Human Joint Evolution

2/27/2025

22 3

Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from the University of Chicago uncovers that synovial joints, essential for movement, originated in ancient jawed fish, not jawless species like lampreys. Fossil evidence dating back 380 million years reveals that these joints first appeared in Bothriolepis, revolutionizing mobility and adaptability, and playing a pivotal role in the evolution of vertebrates, including humans.

1 of 1

Story summary

A groundbreaking study from the University of Chicago uncovers that synovial joints, essential for movement, originated in ancient jawed fish, not jawless species like lampreys. Fossil evidence dating back 380 million years reveals that these joints first appeared in Bothriolepis, revolutionizing mobility and adaptability, and playing a pivotal role in the evolution of vertebrates, including humans.