Question

Which one of the following is not a living fossil-

• A. Peripatus
• B. king crab
• C. Sphenodon
• D. Archaeopteryx

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The question asks us to identify which option is not a living fossil. To do this, let's first understand what a living fossil is:

Living Fossil: A living fossil is an organism that has remained essentially unchanged over a long geological time period and has no (or few) closely related extant relatives.

Now, let's evaluate each option:

1. Peripatus: This is an organism belonging to the phylum Onychophora. It has primitive characteristics and resembles early arthropods. It is considered a living fossil.
2. King Crab: Scientifically known as Limulus, the king or horseshoe crab has been around for over 450 million years. It has changed very little over time, qualifying it as a living fossil.
3. Sphenodon: Also known as the tuatara, this is a reptile native to New Zealand and considered a living fossil because it has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. It belongs to the order Rhynchocephalia.
4. Archaeopteryx: This is an extinct genus of bird-like dinosaurs from the Late Jurassic period. It is not a living organism and thus cannot be considered a living fossil.

Conclusion: Based on the explanation above, the correct answer is Archaeopteryx, as it is extinct and not considered a living fossil.