Cambrian Explosion and Animal Evolution

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to the Cambrian Explosion and animal evolution such as bilaterians, predator-prey relationships, and Hox genes.

Cambrian Explosion

A period marked by the rapid diversification of life forms and the appearance of many major groups of animals.

Bilaterians

A clade of animals that have a complete digestive tract and bilateral symmetry.

Predator-prey relationships

Interactions where predators evolved adaptations for locomotion, while prey developed defenses like hard shells.

Atmospheric oxygen rise

Increased oxygen levels in the atmosphere enabling the evolution of larger-bodied animals.

Hox genes

Genes that regulate the development of body plans and have evolved and duplicated over time.

Asymmetry

A body plan that lacks symmetry and does not have mirrored portions.

Radial symmetry

A body organization where the body can be divided into mirrored portions along more than two planes.

Cnidarians

A group of animals, including jellyfish and anemones, that exhibit radial symmetry.