Lecture 26 Vocabulary (BIOL211)

A set of vocabulary flashcards defining key biological terms and classifications related to the evolution of synapsids, mammals, and primates based on lecture notes.

Temporal fenestra

An opening in the skull behind the orbit in the temporal bone of certain animals, including synapsids.

Sweat gland

Small tubular structures within and under the skin that secrete fluids to regulate body temperature.

Mammary gland

An exocrine gland in mammals that produces milk to nourish young offspring.

Hair

A protein filament that grows from follicles in the dermis, identifying a key characteristic of mammals.

Ear bones

The three middle ear bones (malleus, incus, and stapes) that are characteristic of the mammalian auditory system.

Placenta

An organ that develops during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and remove waste products.

Marsupium

A specialized pouch used by certain mammals to carry and protect their young during early development.

Monotremes

A group of mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young, such as the platypus.

Marsupials

Mammals whose young are born incompletely developed and are typically carried and suckled in a pouch.

Eutherians

Placental mammals that develop in the mother's uterus and are nourished by a placenta until birth.

Synapsids

A group of animals that includes mammals and their extinct ancestors, characterized by a single temporal fenestra.

Reptiles

Tetrapod animals in the class Reptilia, comprising today's turtles, crocodilians, snakes, amphisbaenians, lizards, and tuatara.

Primates

An order of mammals that includes lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans.

Anthropoids

A suborder of primates that includes monkeys, apes, and modern humans.

Hominins

A group consisting of modern humans, extinct human species, and all our immediate ancestors.

Bipedal locomotion

A form of terrestrial movement where an organism moves by means of its two rear limbs or legs.