Paleo 200 final

Species

A group of organisms that can successfully interbreed.

Binomial name

A two-part scientific name for a species, consisting of the genus name and specific epithet.

Genus

The first part of a binomial name, representing a group of closely related species.

Specific epithet

The second part of a binomial name, which identifies the specific species within the genus.

Holotype specimen

A physical example of a new species, designated to represent it in scientific studies.

Taxonomy

The science of naming and classifying organisms into related groups.

Morphological species concept

Defines a species based on shared physical characteristics.

Biological species concept

Defines a species as individuals that can interbreed and produce viable offspring.

Interspecific variation

Differences in morphology between individuals of different species.

Intraspecific variation

Differences in morphology among individuals of the same species.

Sexual dimorphism

Morphological differences between males and females of the same species.

Ontogenetic variation

Differences in morphology between young and adult individuals of the same species.

Lumpers

Paleontologists who require more morphological differences to classify species as distinct.

Splitters

Paleontologists who require fewer morphological differences to classify species as distinct.

Priority rule

A rule stating that once a species has an official name, it cannot be changed unless it’s shown to be invalid.

Taphonomic processes

Geological processes that may alter the shape and appearance of fossils.

Paleoanthropology

The study of ancient humans and their relatives through fossils and archaeology.

Paleolithic

The early phase of the Stone Age, characterized by the use of simple stone tools.

Paleontology

The science that studies past life through fossils.

Paleobotany

The study of ancient plants using fossil evidence.

Paleoecology

The study of ecosystems from past geological eras through the examination of fossils.

Paleoclimate

The climate of a particular region at a specific point in geological time based on data from proxies.

Paleoenvironment

The environmental conditions that existed in a past geological era.

Paleosol

A soil layer that has developed in the geological past, preserved in the rock record.

Paleomagnetism

The study of the magnetic properties of rocks to determine the history of the Earth’s magnetic field.

Paleoindian

Referring to the earliest inhabitants of North America during the late Pleistocene.