Introduction to Phylogeny and Early Animal Evolution

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to early animal evolution, phylogeny, and classifications discussed in the lecture.

Hominins

Human-like primates that are part of the human lineage.

Eukaryotes

Cells that contain a nucleus and organelles, including all animals, plants, and fungi.

Plankton

Microscopic organisms that drift in water and serve as food for many aquatic animals.

Phylogeny

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.

Multicellularity

The condition of being composed of multiple cells that work together as a single organism.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food from sunlight or chemical energy.

Cholesterol

A type of fat found in the cells of animals, important for membrane structure and fluidity.

Filter feeding

A feeding method used by some animals, where they siphon food particles from water.

Cambrian explosion

A rapid diversification of life forms in the Cambrian period, resulting in many new animal families.

Sister species

Species that are each other's closest relatives and share a common ancestor.