The Origin and Evolution of Vertebrates

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the origin and evolution of vertebrates, providing a comprehensive review of the topic for examination.

Vertebrates

Animals that possess a backbone or spinal column.

Notochord

A flexible rod that runs along the length of the body, providing skeletal support in embryonic stages.

Germ layers

Layers of cells in the early embryo that develop into different tissues and organs.

Hox genes

Genes that determine the body plan and layout of animals during development.

Cambrian Explosion

A significant event in the Paleozoic era when most major animal phyla appeared.

Amniotic egg

An egg with four extraembryonic membranes that allows for reproduction on land.

Tetrapods

Vertebrates that have four limbs and developed from lobe-finned fishes.

Gnathostomes

Vertebrates that possess jaws, allowing for more active predation.

Neural crest

A collection of cells unique to vertebrates that contribute to the formation of various tissues.

Pharyngeal arches

Structures that develop into gill slits in aquatic animals or other structures in terrestrial vertebrates.

Mineralized skeleton

Skeletal structures made of minerals that provide protection and support.

Endothermy

The ability to regulate one's own body temperature internally.

Eumetazoa

A clade of animals that have true tissues.

Deuterostomia

A clade defined by the development of the anus before the mouth.

Diploblasts

Animals that have two germ layers (ectoderm and endoderm).

Triploblasts

Animals with three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm).