Evolution I Flashcards
Missing links
Extinct organism that had the charateristics of two different groups
E.g.- Archaeopteryx
Arhcaeopteryx as a missing link
Has traits of both Class Reptilia and Class Aves
Reptilian features:
1. Teeth in jaws
2. Long tail with free caudal vertebrae
3. Weak keel-less sternum
Avian features:
1. Feathers on the body
2. Forelimbs modified into wings
3. Four toes in foot for perching
Connecting links
Living organisms that have the characteristics of two different groups
E.g. Protopterus
Protopterus as connecting link
Has characteristics of Class Pisces and Class Amphibia
Piscean features:
1. Stream-lined body
2. Paired fins
Amphibian featuresL
1. Internal nostrils
2. Presence of lungs and heart
Connecting link: Peripatus
Arthropods and annelids
Connecting link: Neopilina
Annelids and molluscans
Connecting link: Protopterus
Amphibians and fishes
Connecting link: Viruses
Living on nonliving
Connecting link: Euglena
Plants and animals
Connecting link: Platypus
Reptiles and mammals
Homologous organs
Similar in embryogenic origin and development and different in function
E.g. Humans, cats, whales and bats have the same pentadactyl limb arrangement
E.g. modification of leaves in different types of plants
Homologous organs in plants
Modification of leaves
1. Pitcher plant (insectivorous plant): leaves modified into pitchers to catch insects
2. Venus flytrap (insectivorous plant): leaves modified into jaws to catch insects
3. Poinsettia (pollination): bright red leaves resemble flower petals
4. Cactus: leaves have become spines (to decrease rate of transpiration and for defence and offence)
Analogous organs
Structurally and functionally similar, but of different origin
Analogous organs in animals
Insect, Pterodactyl, Bird, Bat wings
Analogous organs in plants
Tendril of Vine: Stem modification
Tendril of Pea: Leaf modification
Vestigial organs
Vedtigial organs are those organs that are non-functional in the possessor but were functional in their ancestors.
see examples in textbook and make flashcards later
Atavism
It is the sudden reappearance of certain ancestral but not parental structure which has either completely disappeared or reduced
* Rudimentary tail in new born babies
* Power of moving the pinna
* Large canines
* Dense hair growth