Living Fossils: 8 Animals from Another Time Still Alive Today (part 2)    [30-09-2011] Throughout Earth’s history, the plants, bacteria, fungi, and animals residing on Earth have dramatically evolved and changed through natural selection, from natural and man-made events. However, some animals have remained relatively the same through time. These animals are known as “living fossils” and many are older than humans and other mammals. Take a look at some of the animals that have survived through the ages nearly unchanged. Alligators and Crocodiles There are more than 20 species of alligators and crocodiles living today. Most have evolved and changed from their ancestors. However, their basic physical design has remained the same for the past 320 million years. Alligators and crocodiles share a common ancestry. However, the two groups separated into different species about 60 million years ago. Goblin Shark Highly rare, the goblin sharks live in the deep sea. They have a uniquely long nose that sets them apart physically from other shark species. They are about 112 to 124 million years old. Scientists have discovered around 2,000 different species of sharks in fossils. The oldest fossils of sharks found actually predate the dinosaurs by more than 200 million years! Hagfish These ancient fish have lived for about half a billion years. They also show scientists an important evolutionary step in how fish developed better eyesight. The hagfish are among the earliest animals to evolve more complex eyes. Cockroach These pesky insects can survive for weeks without their heads. They have thrived on Earth for about 320 million years. There are about 5 to 10 million species of cockroaches living today.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)