Evolutionary Biology and Hominin Traits

These flashcards cover key concepts from evolutionary biology, focusing on body cavities, gut types, adaptations of early vertebrates, and traits of early hominins.

What are Acoelomates and provide an example?

Acoelomates are animals without a body cavity; an example is Flatworms.

Which group includes Arthropods?

Arthropods are part of the group known as Protostomes.

What type of gut do Cnidarians have?

Cnidarians have an incomplete gut.

What is the benefit of a notochord in organisms?

The notochord allows for better movement of the tail.

What adaptations do early gnathosomes show?

Early gnathosomes show adaptations like the development of mandibular cartilage and articular bone.

What do the terms 'facial bones' and 'neurocranium' derive from?

Facial bones derive from the neural crest, while the neurocranium derives from mesoderm.

What characterizes quantitative traits?

Quantitative traits result from the expression of many genes.

What adaptation did the first Hominins exhibit?

The first Hominins were bipedal and had no tools.

What distinguishing feature did Homo Neanderthals have?

Homo Neanderthals had large brains, a prominent brow ridge, and a slopping forehead.

What modern capabilities do Homo Sapiens possess?

Homo Sapiens possess large brains, are fully bipedal, and create better tools.

What is the significance of the fossil Ardipithecus?

Ardipithecus is significant as it is among the oldest known hominins and was not adapted for digging.

What did Australopithecus represent in early human evolution?

Australopithecus fashioned primitive tools and represented an early step in human evolution.