Unit 4 (Evolution-Transitional Forms in the Fossil Record) Flashcards
What is a Transitional Form- in regards to the fossil record?
A species that bridges the gap between two species.
How did our ancestor move from sea to land? What did this move require?
- We evolved from fish to amphibian.
- Lungs and limbs
What is the Lungfish? When did lungs evolve?
- This is a type of fish that evolved lungs.
- Long before the move to land
What are “Lobe-Fins?” When did lobe-fins evolve?
- Fins with bones!! (Fish use these fins to “walk” along the sea floor)
- Long before the move to land
What did the first limbs evolve from?
“Lobe-fins”
What is a “Tiktaalik?” When did they live?
- A lobe-finned lungfish with a neck and wrist joints.
(between fish and amphibians) - 375 MYA
What is a “Ichthyosega?” When did they live?
- An extinct early tetrapod with fish-like tail and skull.
- 360 MYA
(Like a big-ass fish lizard situation)
What is a “Archeopteryx?” When did they live?
- A feathered reptile (between reptiles and birds)
- 150 MYA
(Think like a flying dinosaur+feathers)
Which came first: feathers or flying birds?
Feathers
What makes the platypus and echidna so different? Name three examples.
- They have a combo of reptilian and mammalian traits.
- -They have a cloaca
-They lay eggs
-They have hair, and produce milk
What are the two “miscellaneous” animals he wants us to know?
The platypus and echidna
What are two important traits Modern Whales share?
-A blowhole
-Unique ear bones
What are four strange features that Modern Whale Embryos have?
- Hair
- Hind limb buds
- Teeth
(lost before birth ^) - Nostrils that migrate back (to become a blowhole)
What is the “Ambulocetus?” When did it exist?
- An ancient whale ancestor that had whale ear bones, and was terrestrial.
- 49 MYA
What is the “Basilosaurus?” When did it exist?
- An ancient whale ancestor. It was large like a whale but had tiny hind limbs.
- 40-35 MYA
What are the years and order of ancient humans?
- Australopithecus (4-1 MYA)
- Homo Erectus (1.8-.3 MYA)
- Homo Floresiensis (100k-50k YA)
“Homo” is latin, what does it translate to?
“Human man”
What are two trends in human evolution?
- Bigger brains
- Flatter faces
What was “Australopithecus?” When did they live?
- An ancient human ancestor. It was bipedal and small brained.
- 4-1 MYA
Which came first, upright walking or large brains?
Upright walking.
What was “Homo Erectus?” When did they live?
- An ancient human ancestor, that, below the neck is very similar to modern humans. However they had smaller and differently shaped skulls.
- 1.8-.3 MYA
Which ancient human ancestor first used stone tools?
Homo Erectus
What was “Homo Floresiensis?” When did they live?
- These were very similar to modern humans but they did not survive. They were about 3ft tall.
- 100k-50k YA
What are two traits that make the Icefish of Antartica so fascinating?
- Their blood contains no red blood cells or hemoglobin.
- They have unique antifreeze glycoproteins called AFGP’s.
