Domestic Animal Anatomy and Physiology - Taxonomy and Evolution

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to domestic animal anatomy, classification, taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolutionary studies, particularly focusing on horses.

Classification

The process of sorting living things into groups.

Taxonomy

The study of principles of classification.

Phylogeny

The evolutionary history of a species or group of related species.

Species

The basic unit of classification; a population or group capable of interbreeding. It is a specific term within the genus that identifies one particular type.

Binomial Naming System

A system for naming species with a genus and species name, such as Bos taurus.

Genus

A generic term that may encompass several species.

Linnaean Classification System

A hierarchical structure categorizing organisms into domains, kingdoms, phyla, classes, orders, families, genera, and species.

Perissodactyla

An order of mammals that includes horses, characterized by an odd number of toes.

Artiodactyla

An order of mammals with an even number of toes, which includes pigs and cattle.

Hypsodont Teeth

High-crowned teeth adapted for grinding fibrous plant material.

Ecological Pressures

Environmental factors that influence the evolution and adaptation of species.

Eohippus

An early ancestor of the horse from the Eocene epoch; similar in size to a small dog.

Mesohippus

A prehistoric horse species that lived in the late Eocene and early Oligocene.

Merychippus

A genus of prehistoric horses that bridged the gap between ancient horse species and modern horses.

Equus

The genus that includes modern horses and their closest relatives.