Introduction to Evolution and Morphology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on evolution and morphology.

Evolution

The change of populations of organisms over time; the idea of descent with modification.

Descent with Modification

The concept proposed by Charles Darwin that all organisms are evolved from common ancestors, with changes over time.

Natural Selection

The process through which heritable traits that are better suited to the environment increase in frequency in a population.

Homology

Characters in different organisms that are similar due to shared ancestry; evidence of common descent.

Analogy

Structures in different organisms that serve similar functions but do not indicate a common ancestor.

Axial Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the vertebral column and supports the central axis of the body.

Appendicular Skeleton

The part of the skeleton that includes the pectoral and pelvic girdles and attached limbs.

Locomotion

The ability of animals to move from place to place, often assisted by the structure of their skeletons.

Heterodont Dentition

A dentition type in mammals characterized by different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars.

Homodont Dentition

A dentition type where all teeth are similar in shape, often seen in some reptiles and fish.

Tooth Occlusion

The relationship between the upper and lower teeth when biting, which can indicate dietary adaptations.

Carnivore Skull

A skull designed for slicing meat, with teeth aligned to cut and strong jaw articulation.

Herbivore Skull

A skull designed for grinding plant material, with teeth that meet at once to shear and grind.

Pectoral Girdle

A structure that connects the forelimbs to the body, allowing for mobility and support.

Pelvic Girdle

A structure that supports the hind limbs and anchors them to the axial skeleton.

Bilateral Symmetry

A body plan in which the left and right sides are mirror images of each other, seen in most vertebrates.