Chapter 11: Classification and characteristics of modern humans

taxonomy

the process of identifying, naming and grouping organism

homologous structure

a structure within a group of species that performs a different function yet has the same underlying structure e.g. pentadactyl limb

molecular phylogeny

Comparison of nucleotide sequences of genes and and amino acid sequences of proteins from which evolutionary relationships can be inferred

primate

the order consisting of all current and extinct humans, apes and monkeys characterised by dextrous hands, opposable thumbs and relatively large and developed brain

hominoid

the superfamily consisting of all current and extinct humans and apes

hominin

the subfamily consisting of all current and extinct bipedal primates

bipedal

able to walk on two legs or upright; bi=2, pedal =foot/feet

genus

a group of related organisms that share a recent common ancestor

species

a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable and fertile offspring

bipedalism

the characteristic of being bipedal

foramen magnum

A large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord enters/exits the skull

molecular homology

the analysis of DNA and amino acid sequences as evidence of evolutionary relationships

molecular clock

using the predicted mutation rate of DNA (or amino acid) sequences to determine the approximate time at which two species diverged

interbreed

mate with an organism of another species (sometimes used between different genetic groups or populations)

putative

a term used to describe something that is expected or assumed to have existed, without any current direct proof