What did some molecular studies point to descending from lung fish?

Molecular studies have suggested that tetrapods, the four-limbed vertebrates including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, share a common ancestor with lungfish. This relationship is supported by genetic evidence indicating that lungfish and tetrapods diverged from a common lobe-finned fish ancestor over 400 million years ago. The presence of similar genes and developmental pathways in both groups highlights evolutionary adaptations that facilitated the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. These findings underscore the evolutionary significance of lungfish as a critical link in understanding vertebrate evolution.