UKS2 Topic: Dinosaurs and Fossils Block J: Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution Session 4 Missing links Archaeopteryx was found only a few years after Darwin published On the Origin of Species and was a clear link between dinosaurs and birds. It lived 150 million years ago. © Original resource copyright Hamilton Trust, who give permission for it to be adapted as wished by individual users. We refer you to our warning, at the foot of the block overview, about links to other websites.

Missing links Tiktaalik was only found in 2004 but lived 375 million years ago. It had specialised fins that helped it walk on land, and the eyes were on the top of the head. Tiktaalik probably sat in puddles peeking out into the world until it was safe to walk to another puddle.

Missing links Ambulocetus was found in 1993 but lived 50 million years ago. It had webbed feet that helped it swim in its new environment, though it still walked on land too. It still has a mouth full of teeth for eating large fish.

Missing links Australopithecus afarensis was discovered in 1978. It lived about 3.2 million years ago. They walked upright but still had long arms that were good for climbing. They had started to lose some body hair.