What type of caudal fin structure links the White Sturgeon to very early fish forms?
Answer
Heterocercal tail
The tail fin, or caudal fin, of the White Sturgeon exhibits a heterocercal structure. This characteristic means that the vertebral column of the fish extends forward into the upper lobe of the caudal fin, resulting in the upper lobe being noticeably longer and more pronounced than the lower lobe. This tail asymmetry is considered a primitive trait, linking the White Sturgeon to very early fish evolutionary forms, much like the structure seen in modern sharks. This morphology contributes to the overall ancient appearance of the species.
Related Questions
How is the White Sturgeon's body armored instead of using typical overlapping scales?What were the maximum historical measurements recorded for the White Sturgeon?What feature is absent from the White Sturgeon's specialized ventral mouth structure?Where are the highly sensitive taste buds located on the White Sturgeon?What type of caudal fin structure links the White Sturgeon to very early fish forms?How does the landlocked Kootenai River White Sturgeon population compare in size to others?Which specific food item do Young-of-the-Year White Sturgeon consume after relying on the yolk sac?According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, how many mid-lateral plates do adult White Sturgeon possess?Where are the four barbels on the White Sturgeon's blunt snout positioned relative to the mouth?Why is the White Sturgeon often referred to as a 'living fossil'?