This lifeform is found east of the Continental Divide in North America. This lifeform is widespread, but not common.

Dogfish or Bowfin (Amia calva) is the sole survivor of a group of fish dating back to the Jurassic Period. The Dogfish is found widely in the eastern United States. The long dorsal fin that reaches the tail helps identify this unusual fish. The large black spot with pale ring near the tail also helps with its identity. Although most specimens of this species are less than 30 inches, large individuals can be over 40 inches in length.

Bowfin of North America is the single living member of this  family of ancient fishes. It is only found east of the Continental Divide in shallow lakes, ponds, and rivers from Canada to Florida. Local names include Dogfish and Mudfish. Most examples weigh less than four pounds and are less than twenty-four inches in length. Not considered a good sport fish, this weird creature with its long dorsal fin is always a conversation piece when caught.

Garfish and the Bowfin are a primitive group of fish that are  only found in the New World. There are probably only nine
species in this entire group. This group has been placed close to the true bony fish.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that  include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They  are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are  found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.