EXAM 1 Flashcards
how many extant species are there
6,450
why study mammals
- applied research
- Management of domestic species
- management of wild populations
- Basic research
Types of vertebrates
Fishes, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals
Phylogeny
diagram that depicts historical relationship between groups or individuals. Generated by observable characteristics, molecular sequences, fossils
Synapomorphy
a shared (in the group you’re describing), derived (from the last group), characteristics ex: hair
Volant organisms
able to fly, bats are the only volant mammal
Arboreal organisms
living in trees ex: spider monkeys
terrestrial organisms
living on land
fossorial organisms
living underground
Amphibious organisms
living both land and water
aquatic organism
living in water
convergence
2 or more taxa having similar characteristics that evolved independently. common ancestor. provides evidence for adaptation
Classification ranks
Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species
binomial rules
first part is genus, always capitalized, second part is species never capitalized. whole thing is italicized
physiological features: endothermy
produce own body heat this increases speed, strength and endurance. very costly to be so energetic, have to have lots of food to replace energy
Features of the skull: Dentary bone
single lower jawbone on each side
Features of the skull: a dentary
squamosal jaw joint
Features of the skull: three middle ear ossicles (little bones)
maleus, incus, stapes. 1.5x amplification
Features of the skull: Secondary palate
complete seperation of passages for air and food.
Features of the skull: heterodont
teeth vary in size and shape
Features of the skull: Diphyodonty
two- fold production of teeth. young teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth
Features of the skull: polyphydodonty
teeth that are continuously replaced
Features of the skull: two occipital condyles
strength and stability to the neck
features of post-cranial skeleton: ribs restricted to the thoracic region
cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, caudal. benefits are increased flexibility and lightweight