MS-LS4-2: Fossils and Evolutionary Links

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Vertebrate Noun

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[VER-tuh-brate]

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Vertebrate

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An animal with a backbone or spinal column, which provides internal support and structure to the body.

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Example: The image shows a vertebrate's skeleton, highlighting the backbone which supports the body.

Front

Tetrapod Noun

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[TET-ruh-pod]

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Tetrapod

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A vertebrate animal with four limbs, a group that includes amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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Example: A skeleton showing four limbs, typical of tetrapods like amphibians and mammals.

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Paleontology Noun

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[pay-lee-on-TOL-uh-jee]

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Paleontology

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The scientific study of life from the geologic past, involving the analysis of plant and animal fossils.

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Example: A fossil shows preserved remains of an ancient organism, illustrating paleontology.

Front

Fossil Record Noun

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[FOS-sil REK-ord]

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Fossil Record

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The history of life on Earth as documented by the fossils that have been discovered and collected.

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Example: The image shows how fossils form over time, illustrating the fossil record.

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Transitional Form Noun

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[tran-ZISH-uh-nul FORM]

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Transitional Form

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A fossil that shows the intermediate anatomical states between an ancestral form and its more recent descendants.

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Example: This fossil shows Archaeopteryx, a transitional form between dinosaurs and birds.

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Aquatic Adjective

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[uh-KWA-tik]

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Aquatic

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Relating to water; describes an organism that lives in or near a body of water for its survival.

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Example: This image shows an aquatic ecosystem with fish and plants living in water, illustrating the term 'aquatic.'

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Paleozoic Era Noun

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[pay-lee-uh-ZOH-ik AIR-uh]

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Paleozoic Era

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The era of geologic time from about 541 to 252 million years ago, during which the first vertebrates appeared.

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Example: Trilobites were common during the Paleozoic Era, showing early marine life.

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Devonian Period Noun

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[duh-VOH-nee-un PEER-ee-ud]

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Devonian Period

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The geologic period from about 419 to 359 million years ago, known as the 'Age of Fishes'.

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Example: A Devonian fish transitioning from water to land, showing evolution during the 'Age of Fishes'.

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Lobe-finned Fish Noun

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[LOHB-find FISH]

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Lobe-finned Fish

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A type of fish with fleshy, lobe-like fins supported by bone, considered to be an ancestor of tetrapods.

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Example: This image shows a coelacanth, a lobe-finned fish, with labeled fins and organs, highlighting its unique anatomy.

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Digits Noun

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[DIJ-its]

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Digits

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The fingers or toes found on the limbs of a vertebrate animal, used for grasping or locomotion.

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Example: The image shows the bones of the fingers, labeled to teach about digits in human anatomy.

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