Biological Classification and Primatology_spring21

Taxonomic Classification

A formal hierarchy for establishing taxa, developed by Carolus Linnaeus.

Binomial Nomenclature

A system for naming species by using two Latin names: genus and species.

Species Definition

All individual organisms of a natural population that interbreed at maturity in the wild and produce fertile offspring.

Analogous Structures

Structures that are similar in appearance and function but arose through separate descent.

Homologous Structures

Structures that arise from a common descent, which don't necessarily share common appearance or function.

Gradistic Classification

Classification based on morphological similarities.

Cladistic Classification

Classification based on evolutionary relationships and derived traits.

Pentadactyly

The condition of having five digits on the appendages.

Frugivore

An organism that primarily eats fruits.

Omnivore

An organism that eats both plant and animal protein.

Cercopithecoids

Old World monkeys that have tails and bilophodont molars.

Hominoids

Apes and humans that do not have tails and possess Y-5 molars.

Hominid

Great apes, humans, and our ancestors since the split with chimpanzees.

Hominin

Humans or their recent ancestors since the split with chimpanzees.

Morphological Traits

Physical characteristics used for species classification in fossils.

Common descent

The principle that species share a unique last common ancestor.

Phylogenetic Classification

A method of classification based on evolutionary history and relationships.

Tarsiers

Nocturnal primates that are considered primitive but share traits with anthropoids.

Sexual Dimorphism

The differences in appearance between male and female members of the same species.

Paleospecies

Species identified primarily through fossil records, with ambiguous interbreeding potential.