Evolutionary trends Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to macroevolutionary events, phylogenetics, and significant evolutionary adaptations.

The Cambrian explosion represents a period of __ in animal diversity.

significant increase

During the Cambrian period, the ecosystem was dominated by __ among organisms.

arthropods

The mass extinction events are characterized by periods where a __ percentage of species go extinct in a short time.

large

The largest mass extinction event, known as the __ extinction, resulted in 96% of marine species dying out.

Permian

Evidence of mass extinction events often includes __ in the fossil record before and after the event.

comparative analysis

After mass extinction events, there is often a __ of surviving organisms into new niches.

radiation

Key adaptations that allowed certain species to survive mass extinctions include features such as __ or mammary glands.

fur

An example of paedomorphosis is found in the axolotl salamander, which retains __ in its adult form.

juvenile traits

Changes in developmental timing and structure are referred to as __.

heterochrony