the Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian and Mesozoic

Agnatha

Jawless fish from early vertebrate evolution.

Gnathostomata

Jawed fish appearing 450-420 million years ago. 2 types: Chondricthyes, Osteichthyes

Chondrichthyes

Cartilaginous fish including sharks and rays.

Osteichthyes

Bony fish, divided into ray-finned and lobe-finned

Bryophytes

Early land plants like liverworts and mosses. no vascular tissue and don't require soil.

Cooksonia

First vascular land plant with fragility.

Lignification

Process enabling rigidity in plants. (wood)

Eutrophication

Nutrient runoff causing ocean poisoning.

Carboniferous Period

Age of coal with organic carbon deposits. 359-299 million years ago.

Lignin

Complex carbohydrate making wood rigid.

Gigantic Insects

Result of increased oxygen levels.

Tetrapods

Four-limbed vertebrates evolving in Carboniferous when movement out of water was enabled.

Amniotic Membrane

Fluid-filled cavity protecting zygote. adaptation in reptiles.

Keratinous Scales

Water impermeable skin adaptation in reptiles.

Uric Acid

Solid excretion enabling water retention.

Internal Fertilization

Necessary for land-dwelling animals.

Permian Mass Extinction

Largest extinction event, 95% species loss.

Mesozoic Era

Age of dinosaurs, birds, mammals, and flowers. 252-66 million years ago.

Endothermy

Warm-blooded trait allowing nocturnal mammals.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants first appeared 130 million years ago.