Geology 105 Lecture 25: Coal Swamps & The Rise of Tetrapods

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to the geological processes and evolutionary milestones discussed in Lecture 25 on Coal Swamps & The Rise of Tetrapods.

Phanerozoic Eon

The current eon in the geologic time scale, spanning from 541 million years ago to present.

Paleozoic Era

A major era in the geological time scale that lasted from about 541 to 252 million years ago.

Devonian Period

A period within the Paleozoic era that lasted from 419 to 359 million years ago, known for the rise of fish and early amphibians.

Tiktaalik

An early fish that represents an important transitional species showing traits between fish and tetrapods.

Acanthostega

An early tetrapod with weak limbs that could not walk on land, indicating the transition from aquatic to terrestrial life.

Ichthyostega

The oldest known true amphibian, capable of walking on land, with fossils found in Upper Devonian deposits.

Tetrapods

Four-limbed vertebrates which include amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.

Archaeopteris

An early tree-like plant that appeared in the late Devonian period, characterized by conifer-like wood and fern-like foliage.

Carboniferous Period

A geological period from 359 to 299 million years ago, known for extensive coal deposits and the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea.

Gondwana

A large landmass that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, contributing to the formation of supercontinents.

Pennsylvanian Period

The later part of the Carboniferous Period, marked by significant coal formation and the development of amphibians.

Amniote eggs

Hard-shelled eggs that allowed reptiles to reproduce away from water, signifying a major adaptation for land living.

Hylonomus lyelli

One of the oldest known reptilian fossils, approximately 315 million years old.

Helicoprion

An extinct genus of shark known for its unique tooth structure from the Carboniferous to Triassic period.

Coal

A fossil fuel formed from the remains of dead plants that were buried and compacted, predominantly during the Carboniferous Period.

Bituminous Coal

A type of coal that is characterized by its high carbon content and is commonly used for electricity generation and steel production.

Anthracite Coal

The highest grade of coal, containing more carbon and producing the most heat when burned.