A transitional fossil is a term used to describe a fossil specimen that exhibits traits of an extinct organism and a related living organism. Similar terms that can be used to describe transitional fossils include "intermediate fossil," "missing link," or "evolutionary link." These fossils provide evidence for gradual evolution and demonstrate the complex nature of evolutionary transformations over time. Transitional fossils can also serve as an important educational tool, highlighting the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. Additionally, they can provide insights into the many pathways that evolution can take and help researchers better understand the unique evolutionary histories of different species.