Lecture 2: Evolutionary Taxonomy

Flashcards summarizing key concepts and vocabulary related to evolutionary taxonomy, including classifications and definitions of various animal groups.

Monophyletic

A group that contains an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Paraphyletic

A group that includes an ancestor but not all of its descendants.

Polyphyletic

A group that does not include the common ancestor of its members.

Pisces

A class of animals that includes all fish.

Amphibia

A class of animals that includes frogs, toads, and salamanders.

Mammalia

A class of animals characterized by fur or hair and the production of milk.

Lepidosauria

A group of reptiles that includes lizards and snakes.

Testudines

An order of reptiles that includes turtles.

Crocodylia

An order of reptiles that includes crocodiles and alligators.

Aves

A class of animals characterized by feathers and wings, commonly known as birds.

Archosauria

A clade that includes crocodilians and birds, along with their extinct relatives.

Archelosauria

A clade that includes turtles and their close relatives.

Reptilia

A class of animals that includes reptiles such as snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Amniota

A clade of animals that produce eggs with an amniotic membrane.

Tetrapoda

A superclass that includes all vertebrates with four limbs.

Vertebrata

The subphylum that includes all vertebrates.