Tiktaaliks

“Everyone needs to know this.”

So started the harangue B experienced at the park last week.

A man with a red hat told her about the Tiktaalik, a lobe-finned fish that lived 375 million years ago. Lived for around 10 million years because it had wrists.

Tiktaaliks could pop out of the water and gulp air if they needed and grab land snacks if they wanted. As far as the man was concerned, these creatures were one of our great ancestors.

“And so,” he said, “if you ever make it big one day, it might be because of these.” He tapped his wrists together.

“Also,” he whispered, “I love dogs.”