Chapter 2: Getting a Grip

Your Inner Fish became more engaging in the second chapter as compared to the first. Looking at the common factors that link limbs was interesting and enjoyable to look at. Shubin's experience with the human body and ancient organisms helped me to understand their common link and limb structures. It is astounding that such a complex net of muscles and bones can be traced back to what humans often see as simple structures. Through the various fish fins, it was possible for me to visualize the steps evolution took in order to come up with our final product. In addition, the way the chapter explained the evolution of the wrist and limb helped support why the discovery of Tiktaalik was so important. It helped explain an evolutionary gap in which the first developmental wrist started to form, and it truly was an extraordinary discovery. It helps put modern life into perspective, and how today, we don't put much thought into the complex evolutionary process that enabled primitive body parts to become the body we use. Tiktaalik's discovery helps explain our own development because it is a part of our development, and Shubin's explanation of this simplicity astounds me.