Introductory Lecture Flashcards
(15 cards)
Define Comparative Anatomy
The study of similarities and differences in anatomy between living and extinct species
What aspects of comparative anatomy can be considered?
Geology Molecular biology (embryology) Genetics Ecology Biochemistry Paleobiology Functional Morphology Descriptive Morphology
Define homology
Where features of two or more organisms share a common ancestry from divergent evolution.
Define analogy
Where features of two or more organisms have a common function through convergent evolution. They may or may not be homologous.
Define homoplasy
Structures that look alike through convergent evolution. May be homologous or analogous.
Define radial symmetry
Where the organism can be divided into similar halves by passing a plane at any angle along a central axis.
Define midsagittal plane
A vertical plane through the midline of the body that divides it into equal right and left halves.
Define parasagittal plane
A vertical plane through the body that divides it into unequal right and left halves.
Define frontal plane
A plane that divides the body into and anterior and posterior portions
Define transverse plane
(axial plane) is a plane that divides the body into superior and inferior planes.
Define dorsal
Backside or posterior section of human. Usually the harder side of an organism
Define ventral
Frontside or anterior section of a human usually the more tender side of the organism bearing more external organs.
Define cranial
Relating to the cranium or the skull
Define caudal
Pertaining to the tail or posterior or hind part of a body
Define the three major eras that define animal evolutionary history
Paleozoic = Age of the fish (251 - 542 MYA) Mesozoic = Age of the reptile (66 - 251 MYA) Cenozoic = Age of the mammals (0 - 66 MYA)
