Chapter 29, Problem 10TE

To determine

The life forms associated with the Devonian period.

Answer to Problem 10TE

The life forms associated with the Devonian period are mainly fishes like lobe-finned fishes with evolved nostrils.

Explanation of Solution

During the Devonian period, the continents of North America, Europe, and Siberia merged to form a supercontinent known as Laurasia, which was located near the Equator. The climate during this period was generally warm and moist. Plant and lowland forests of trees flourished. In the seas, many groups of fishes diversified. This is the reason the Devonian period is known as “the age of the fishes,” and the major forms of life forms during those times were fishes, sharks, and bony fishes. Special kinds of fishes like lobe-finned fishes, some with internal nostrils, developed during the Devonian period, which gave way to land-living vertebrates. The other life forms which were active during the Devonian period were plants, trees, and ferns.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the life forms associated with the Devonian period are mainly fishes like lobe-finned fishes with evolved nostrils.