missing link
Absent connecting evidence
A missing link is a hypothetical creature bridging two known forms in an evolutionary sequence—especially the presumed ancestor connecting humans to earlier primates.
The term extends to any absent connection in a chain of development or understanding: The discovery was the missing link in their research.
The phrase often carries a whiff of outdated Victorian science.
Predecessor in lineage
- transitional fossilSpecimen bridging ancestral groups
- AustralopithecusExtinct hominin genus
- hominidBipedal primate family
- ape-manHypothetical evolutionary intermediate
Darwin · common descent · phylogeny · natural selection · speciation · adaptation · hominin · bipedalism
Unfilled space between
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
- chainLinked segments forming length
- bondBinding tie or connection
- linkageConnected system of parts
junction · connector · tie · interface · coupling · network · nexus · splice
Not yet found
- unfoundNot yet discovered
- hiddenKept out of sight
- enigmaSomething hard to fathom
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
phantom · untraceable · vanished · lost · unlocatable · inaccessible · obscure · sought-after
Structure spanning an obstacle
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
- liaisonConnector between groups
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
- conduitTube conveying fluid or cables
stepping stone · facilitator · middleman · transitional · intercessor · linchpin
ancestor
Predecessor in lineage
- transitional fossilSpecimen bridging ancestral groups
- AustralopithecusExtinct hominin genus
- hominidBipedal primate family
ape-man · Darwin · common descent · phylogeny · natural selection · speciation · adaptation · hominin · bipedalism · Homo erectus
gap
Unfilled space between
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
- chainLinked segments forming length
- bondBinding tie or connection
linkage · junction · connector · tie · interface · coupling · network · nexus · splice · mesh
undiscovered
Not yet found
mystery · phantom · untraceable · vanished · lost · unlocatable · inaccessible · obscure · sought-after · hunted
bridge
Structure spanning an obstacle
- go-betweenAgent connecting separate parties
- liaisonConnector between groups
- mediatorNeutral conflict resolver
conduit · stepping stone · facilitator · middleman · transitional · intercessor · linchpin
- evolutionevolution, natural selection, mutation, adaptation, speciation
- connectorscable, cables, connector, connectors, wires
- creationismcreation, creator, young earth, creation science, creation story
- ancestorsancestor, ancestors, forebears, forebear, forbear
- hereditygenes, DNA, gene, chromosomes, genetics
- mental statesknowledge, conscious, mood, anxious, memory