EXAM 2 (terminology) Flashcards
Taxonomy
The science of classifying and naming organisms. It involves the hierarchical arrangement of species into groups based on similarities and evolutionary relationships
Cladogram
A diagram that shows the relationships among different groups of organisms based on shared derived characteristics
It’s a type of phylogenetic tree that doesn’t necessarily indicate time or evolutionary distances
Clade
A group of organisms that include common ancestor and all its descendents
a branch
Cutaneous Respiration
Respiration through the skin
Common in amphibians and some fish
Amniote
Vertebrates that have an amniotic egg, which contains a membrane (amnion) that surrounds the emryo
Allows them to reproduce in terrestrial environments
Carnivory
Feeding behvior where an organisms primarily consumes animal flesh
Kleptogenesis
a form of reproduction in some organisms where a female acquires gentic material from a mlae of another species but does not incorporate the male’s DNA into the offspring
This can create hybrid organisms
Autotomy
the ability of an organism to shed body parts
defense mechanism
Metamorphosis
a biological process by which an organism undergoes a significant transformation, usually from juvenile to an adult stage
common in amphibians
Synapsid
one temporal fenestrae
mammals
Diapsid
Two temporal fenestrae
reptiles and birds
Anapsid
No temporal fenestrae
some turtles
Endothermy
Ability of an organism to generate and maintain body heat through internal metabolic processes
Common in birds and mammals
Acrodont
A type of tooth attachment where the teeth are fused to the upper edge of the jawbone without sockets
Parthenogenesis
A type of sexual reproduction where the offspring are produced without fert. by a male.
Common in insects fish and reptiles
Fenestra
An opening or hole in a bone, commonly in the skull. Important in defining different types of vertebrates
Pneumatization
The presence of air spaces within bones. In birds it helps reduce weight without compromising much strength
Tranisitional fossil
Fossils that show intermediate characteristics between different groups, demonstrating the evolutionary transition from one form to another
Lactation
production and secretion of milk from mammary glands
Unique to mammals
Crypsis
Avoid detection by predators, allows to blend in with the environment
Batesian mimicry
a harmless species evolves to imitate the warning signals of a harmful or unpalatable species
Opisthoglyphous
Long, hollow, hinged fangs at the front of the mouth, allowing for deep penetration and efficient venom delivery
Vipers, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths
Proteroglyphous
Shorter, fixed fangs at the front of the mouth, with a hollow structure for direct venom injection
Elapids, cobras, coral snakes, mambas
Solenoglyphous
Long, hollow, hinged fangs at the front of the mouth, allowing for deep penetration and efficient venom delivery.
Vipers, pit vipers, rattlesnakes, cottonmouths.
Oviparous
Animals that lay eggs, with the embryos developing and hatching outside the mother’s body. The female lays the eggs, which contain all the nutrients the embryos need for development
Most reptiles, birds, amphibians, and some fish
Viviparous
Animals that give birth to live young. The embryos develop inside the mother’s body, with nutrients provided directly from the mother, often via a placenta or similar structure
Most mammals, some reptiles, and a few species of fish and amphibians
Precocial
Offspring that are relatively mature and mobile at birth or hatching. They typically have well-developed sensory and motor skills, and are capable of some level of independence
Ducks, chickens, horses, and many ungulates
Altricial
Offspring that are born or hatched in an undeveloped state. They are often blind, helpless, and dependent on parental care for a period of time until they grow and develop further
Most songbirds, cats, dogs, and many rodents
Keeled Sternum
Attachment site for flight muscles
Synsacrum
a unit formed by the fusion of the posterior thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae. Fusions of these bones make birds sturdy and indirectly lighter by decreasing the number of muscles necessary to control individual vertebrae
Autotomy
Skin or tail can be broken off to evade predators
Furcula
supports flight in birds
Pinnae
are the external parts of the ears that are visible and prominent in many mammals, including humans. They play a crucial role in hearing by capturing sound waves and funneling them into the ear canal
