In 2009, the team had specimen E's skull scanned in a three-dimensional scanner. This data will allow researchers to see the internal structure of the skull without having to physically take it apart, which would essentially destroy the specimen. Over the coming months, the data will be interpreted and analyzed. With any luck, the conclusions will provide further insight into this unique animal.

As you look at these images of the skull, ask yourself what living creature it reminds you of. What features in particular make you think this? What conclusions can you draw from these features about where the animal may have lived and what it might have eaten?

3-D scans of Tiktaalik's skull

View Tiktaalik's skull as it is rotated along the y-axis.

View Tiktaalik's skull as it is rotated along the x-axis.

View Tiktaalik's skull as it is rotated along the z-axis.