Question

How many of the following organism(s) are considered as living fossils from the following:
Nereis, Bombyx mori, Limulus, Anopheles

• A. 1
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 2

Answer 1

The correct option is A 1

Living fossils are organisms that have not undergone any change from the time of their origin and they closely resemble organisms that are known otherwise from the fossil records. The relatives of these organisms are extinct. Out of the four organisms given, Limulus is a living fossil; all others are not considered as living fossils.

Limulus (King crab) is a living fossil belonging to the Phylum Arthropoda (organisms with jointed legs). It continues to remain unchanged for millions of years.


Nereis belongs to the phylum Annelida (segmented worms) and they have many parapodia for locomotion.


Bombyx mori is a domestic silk moth belonging to the phylum Arthropoda. It is an economically important insect as it is the primary producer of silk.

Anopheles belongs to phylum Arthropoda, and is a mosquito.