Difference between revisions of "Fossils/Vertebrates"
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| Line 42: | Line 42: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Placodermi means "tablet or plate skin" | | Misc = Placodermi means "tablet or plate skin" | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Bothriolepis=== | ===Genus Bothriolepis=== | ||
| Line 55: | Line 56: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Its name means “trench scale” | | Misc = Its name means “trench scale” | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Dunkleosteus=== | ===Genus Dunkleosteus=== | ||
| Line 68: | Line 70: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Dunkleosteus was named after David Dunkle "Dunkle + Osteus = Dunkle’s bone." | | Misc = Dunkleosteus was named after David Dunkle "Dunkle + Osteus = Dunkle’s bone." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)== | ==Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)== | ||
| Line 82: | Line 85: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Due to their lack of a swim bladder, they must continuously swim to avoid sinking. | | Misc = Due to their lack of a swim bladder, they must continuously swim to avoid sinking. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Superorder Selachimorpha (Sharks)=== | ===Superorder Selachimorpha (Sharks)=== | ||
| Line 95: | Line 99: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Otodus==== | ====Genus Otodus==== | ||
| Line 108: | Line 113: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Otodus means “ear-shaped tooth” | | Misc = Otodus means “ear-shaped tooth” | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Carcharocles==== | ====Genus Carcharocles==== | ||
| Line 121: | Line 127: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = In Greek, Carcharocles means "Famed for Jaggedness." | | Misc = In Greek, Carcharocles means "Famed for Jaggedness." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Species C. megalodon==== | ====Species C. megalodon==== | ||
| Line 134: | Line 141: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Megalodon means "big tooth" in Greek. | | Misc = Megalodon means "big tooth" in Greek. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Superorder Batoidea (Rays)=== | ===Superorder Batoidea (Rays)=== | ||
| Line 147: | Line 155: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned)== | ==Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned)== | ||
| Line 160: | Line 169: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Actinopterygians are the dominant class of vertebrates, comprising nearly 99% of the over 30,000 species of fish. They account for half of living vertebrates | | Misc = Actinopterygians are the dominant class of vertebrates, comprising nearly 99% of the over 30,000 species of fish. They account for half of living vertebrates | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Knightia=== | ===Genus Knightia=== | ||
| Line 173: | Line 183: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Knightia is the state fossil of Wyoming - they are abundant in the Green River formation. They are the most commonly excavated fish in the world! | | Misc = Knightia is the state fossil of Wyoming - they are abundant in the Green River formation. They are the most commonly excavated fish in the world! | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Xiphactinus=== | ===Genus Xiphactinus=== | ||
| Line 186: | Line 197: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Their name comes from the Latin & Greek for “sword ray.” State fossil of Kansas. | | Misc = Their name comes from the Latin & Greek for “sword ray.” State fossil of Kansas. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Class Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned)== | ==Class Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned)== | ||
| Line 199: | Line 211: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Eusthenopteron=== | ===Genus Eusthenopteron=== | ||
| Line 212: | Line 225: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = The name means “strongly developed fins” (Greek). | | Misc = The name means “strongly developed fins” (Greek). | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Latimeria (Coelacanth)=== | ===Genus Latimeria (Coelacanth)=== | ||
| Line 225: | Line 239: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = The name is from the Greek words "koilos" meaning “hollow” and "akantha" meaning “spine.” They live very long - possibly up to 80-100 years! They are one of the most endangered genus of animals in the world. | | Misc = The name is from the Greek words "koilos" meaning “hollow” and "akantha" meaning “spine.” They live very long - possibly up to 80-100 years! They are one of the most endangered genus of animals in the world. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Tiktaalik=== | ===Genus Tiktaalik=== | ||
| Line 238: | Line 253: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = There is only one species: ''Tiktaalik rosae.'' "Tiktaalik" means "large freshwater fish" (Inuktitut language) | | Misc = There is only one species: ''Tiktaalik rosae.'' "Tiktaalik" means "large freshwater fish" (Inuktitut language) | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Class Amphibia (Amphibians)== | ==Class Amphibia (Amphibians)== | ||
| Line 251: | Line 267: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = "Amphibia" means “double life” and refers to a life cycle that includes an aquatic existence and a terrestrial existence. | | Misc = "Amphibia" means “double life” and refers to a life cycle that includes an aquatic existence and a terrestrial existence. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Acanthostega=== | ===Genus Acanthostega=== | ||
| Line 263: | Line 280: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Misc = The name means "spiny roof." | | Misc = The name means "spiny roof." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Eryops=== | ===Genus Eryops=== | ||
| Line 276: | Line 294: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Name means "drawn-out face." | | Misc = Name means "drawn-out face." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Diplocaulus=== | ===Genus Diplocaulus=== | ||
| Line 289: | Line 308: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Name means "double caul." | | Misc = Name means "double caul." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Class Reptilia (Reptiles)== | ==Class Reptilia (Reptiles)== | ||
| Line 302: | Line 322: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Crocodilia (crocodiles)=== | ===Order Crocodilia (crocodiles)=== | ||
| Line 315: | Line 336: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Testudines (turtles)=== | ===Order Testudines (turtles)=== | ||
| Line 328: | Line 350: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Icthyosauria (Ichthyosaurs)=== | ===Order Icthyosauria (Ichthyosaurs)=== | ||
| Line 341: | Line 364: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Their name means "fish lizard." | | Misc = Their name means "fish lizard." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Squamata=== | ===Order Squamata=== | ||
| Line 354: | Line 378: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Family Mosasauridae (Mosasaurs)==== | ====Family Mosasauridae (Mosasaurs)==== | ||
| Line 367: | Line 392: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = They are probably related to snakes due to similarities in their jaws and skulls. | | Misc = They are probably related to snakes due to similarities in their jaws and skulls. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Plesiosauria (Plesiosaurs & Pliosaurs)=== | ===Order Plesiosauria (Plesiosaurs & Pliosaurs)=== | ||
| Line 380: | Line 406: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Their name comes from the Greek "plesios" meaning "near to" and "sauros" meaning "lizard." | | Misc = Their name comes from the Greek "plesios" meaning "near to" and "sauros" meaning "lizard." | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Pterosauria (Pterosaurs)=== | ===Order Pterosauria (Pterosaurs)=== | ||
| Line 393: | Line 420: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Clade Dinosauria (Dinosaurs)== | ==Clade Dinosauria (Dinosaurs)== | ||
| Line 406: | Line 434: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Saurischia (lizard-hipped)=== | ===Order Saurischia (lizard-hipped)=== | ||
| Line 419: | Line 448: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Suborder Theropoda==== | ====Suborder Theropoda==== | ||
| Line 432: | Line 462: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Allosaurus===== | =====Genus Allosaurus===== | ||
| Line 445: | Line 476: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Coelophysis===== | =====Genus Coelophysis===== | ||
| Line 458: | Line 490: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Dilophosaurus===== | =====Genus Dilophosaurus===== | ||
| Line 471: | Line 504: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Spinosaurus===== | =====Genus Spinosaurus===== | ||
| Line 484: | Line 518: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Tyrannosaurus===== | =====Genus Tyrannosaurus===== | ||
| Line 497: | Line 532: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Velociraptor===== | =====Genus Velociraptor===== | ||
| Line 510: | Line 546: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Suborder Sauropodamorpha==== | ====Suborder Sauropodamorpha==== | ||
| Line 523: | Line 560: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Brachiosaurus===== | =====Genus Brachiosaurus===== | ||
| Line 536: | Line 574: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Diplodocus===== | =====Genus Diplodocus===== | ||
| Line 549: | Line 588: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Patagotitan===== | =====Genus Patagotitan===== | ||
| Line 562: | Line 602: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Plateosaurus===== | =====Genus Plateosaurus===== | ||
| Line 575: | Line 616: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Order Ornithischia (bird-hipped)=== | ===Order Ornithischia (bird-hipped)=== | ||
| Line 588: | Line 630: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Infraorder Anklyosauria==== | ====Infraorder Anklyosauria==== | ||
| Line 601: | Line 644: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Ankylosaurus===== | =====Genus Ankylosaurus===== | ||
| Line 614: | Line 658: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Infraorder Ceratopsia==== | ====Infraorder Ceratopsia==== | ||
{{Fossils | {{Fossils | ||
| − | |||
| Desc = | | Desc = | ||
| Picture = | | Picture = | ||
| Line 627: | Line 671: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Triceratops===== | =====Genus Triceratops===== | ||
| Line 640: | Line 685: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Protoceratops===== | =====Genus Protoceratops===== | ||
| Line 653: | Line 699: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Infraorder Ornithopoda==== | ====Infraorder Ornithopoda==== | ||
| Line 666: | Line 713: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Iguanodon===== | =====Genus Iguanodon===== | ||
| Line 679: | Line 727: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Parasaurolophus===== | =====Genus Parasaurolophus===== | ||
| Line 692: | Line 741: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Maiasaura===== | =====Genus Maiasaura===== | ||
| Line 705: | Line 755: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Infraorder Pachycephalosauria==== | ====Infraorder Pachycephalosauria==== | ||
| Line 718: | Line 769: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Dracorex===== | =====Genus Dracorex===== | ||
| Line 731: | Line 783: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Infraorder Stegosauria==== | ====Infraorder Stegosauria==== | ||
| Line 744: | Line 797: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Genus Stegosaurus===== | =====Genus Stegosaurus===== | ||
| Line 757: | Line 811: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Class Aves (Birds)== | ==Class Aves (Birds)== | ||
| Line 770: | Line 825: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Archaeopteryx=== | ===Genus Archaeopteryx=== | ||
| Line 783: | Line 839: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Titanis (Terror Bird)=== | ===Genus Titanis (Terror Bird)=== | ||
| Line 796: | Line 853: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Genus Icthyornis=== | ===Genus Icthyornis=== | ||
| Line 809: | Line 867: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
==Clade Synapsida== | ==Clade Synapsida== | ||
| Line 822: | Line 881: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Mammal-like Reptiles=== | ===Mammal-like Reptiles=== | ||
| Line 835: | Line 895: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Dimetrodon (pelycosaurs)==== | ====Genus Dimetrodon (pelycosaurs)==== | ||
| Line 847: | Line 908: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| − | | Misc = "Dimetrodon" means | + | | Misc = "Dimetrodon" means "2 measures teeth." |
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Lystrosaurus (therapsids)==== | ====Genus Lystrosaurus (therapsids)==== | ||
| Line 861: | Line 923: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = "Lystrosaurus" means "shovel lizard." For a while, 95% of all land vertebrates were Lystrosaurus. They are good index fossils. | | Misc = "Lystrosaurus" means "shovel lizard." For a while, 95% of all land vertebrates were Lystrosaurus. They are good index fossils. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Class Mammalia (Mammals)=== | ===Class Mammalia (Mammals)=== | ||
{{Fossils | {{Fossils | ||
| − | |||
| Desc = | | Desc = | ||
| Picture = | | Picture = | ||
| Line 875: | Line 937: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Basilosaurus (prehistoric whale)==== | ====Genus Basilosaurus (prehistoric whale)==== | ||
| Line 888: | Line 951: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Equus (modern horse)==== | ====Genus Equus (modern horse)==== | ||
| Line 901: | Line 965: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Australopithecus (hominin)==== | ====Genus Australopithecus (hominin)==== | ||
| Line 914: | Line 979: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Homo (hominin)==== | ====Genus Homo (hominin)==== | ||
| Line 927: | Line 993: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Species H. neanderthalensis===== | =====Species H. neanderthalensis===== | ||
| Line 940: | Line 1,007: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Species H. erectus===== | =====Species H. erectus===== | ||
| Line 953: | Line 1,021: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Species H. sapiens===== | =====Species H. sapiens===== | ||
| Line 966: | Line 1,035: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = | | Misc = | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Mammut (Mastodon)==== | ====Genus Mammut (Mastodon)==== | ||
| Line 978: | Line 1,048: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| − | | Misc = Their name means | + | | Misc = Their name means "nipple tooth." |
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Mammuthus (Mammoth)==== | ====Genus Mammuthus (Mammoth)==== | ||
| Line 991: | Line 1,062: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| − | | Misc = The name means “earth” from the Tartar word | + | | Misc = The name means “earth” from the Tartar word "mamma." |
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
=====Species M. primigenius (Wooly Mammoth)===== | =====Species M. primigenius (Wooly Mammoth)===== | ||
| Line 1,005: | Line 1,077: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Their name means "first elephant" in Latin. State fossil of Alaska, Nebraska, and Vermont | | Misc = Their name means "first elephant" in Latin. State fossil of Alaska, Nebraska, and Vermont | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Megacerops (Brontothere)==== | ====Genus Megacerops (Brontothere)==== | ||
| Line 1,018: | Line 1,091: | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| Misc = Name means "large-horned face." Closely related to Mesohippus. | | Misc = Name means "large-horned face." Closely related to Mesohippus. | ||
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Mesohippus (three-toed horse)==== | ====Genus Mesohippus (three-toed horse)==== | ||
| Line 1,030: | Line 1,104: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| − | | Misc = In Greek, "meso" means | + | | Misc = In Greek, "meso" means "middle" and "hippos" means "horse." |
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
====Genus Smilodon (saber-toothed cat)==== | ====Genus Smilodon (saber-toothed cat)==== | ||
| Line 1,043: | Line 1,118: | ||
| Common = | | Common = | ||
| Etym = | | Etym = | ||
| − | | Misc = In Greek, "smile" means | + | | Misc = In Greek, "smile" means "chisel" and "odous" means "tooth." There are hundreds of Smilodon fossils in the La Brea Tar Pits. |
| + | | Extern = | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[Category:Event Pages]] | [[Category:Event Pages]] | ||
[[Category:Study Event Pages]] | [[Category:Study Event Pages]] | ||
[[Category:Fossils]] | [[Category:Fossils]] | ||
Revision as of 20:38, 29 November 2020
- Main article: Fossils
 | This page is incomplete. |
Contents
- 1 Subphylum Vertebrata
- 1.1 Superclass Agnatha (Jawless Fish) (Ostracoderms)
- 1.2 Class Placodermi (Armored Jawed Fish)
- 1.3 Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)
- 1.4 Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned)
- 1.5 Class Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned)
- 1.6 Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
- 1.7 Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
- 1.8 Clade Dinosauria (Dinosaurs)
- 1.9 Class Aves (Birds)
- 1.10 Clade Synapsida
- 1.10.1 Mammal-like Reptiles
- 1.10.2 Class Mammalia (Mammals)
- 1.10.2.1 Genus Basilosaurus (prehistoric whale)
- 1.10.2.2 Genus Equus (modern horse)
- 1.10.2.3 Genus Australopithecus (hominin)
- 1.10.2.4 Genus Homo (hominin)
- 1.10.2.5 Genus Mammut (Mastodon)
- 1.10.2.6 Genus Mammuthus (Mammoth)
- 1.10.2.7 Genus Megacerops (Brontothere)
- 1.10.2.8 Genus Mesohippus (three-toed horse)
- 1.10.2.9 Genus Smilodon (saber-toothed cat)
Subphylum Vertebrata
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| Physical Description | Have a backbone and cranium. |
| Fossil Range | Evolved during the Cambrian Explosion. |
| Taxonomy | Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata |
| Adaptations Over Time | Slowly became bigger and more terrestrial. They evolved bigger jaws and stronger bones. |
Superclass Agnatha (Jawless Fish) (Ostracoderms)
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| Common Names | Jawless fish, including lampreys and hagfish. |
| Physical Description | They lack paired appendages and jaws. They have skin but no dermal or epidermal scales. Instead of stomachs, they simply have one long gut. Cold-blooded (ectothermic). Two-chambered heart. They have seven or more paired gill pouches. Possess a notochord (a cartilage-like rod that is a characteristic feature of all chordates in at least one stage of life) during their larval and adult stages. They possess a photoreceptive parietal eye for regulating circadian rhythm and body heat. The skeleton is made of cartilage. |
| Fossil Range | Cambrian Explosion to present-day. |
| Taxonomy | Agnatha is split up into Cyclostomata (extant and comprising lampreys and hagfish, ~120 species), Conodonta (extinct), and Ostracoderms (extinct). Sister taxon to Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates). rRNA and mtDNA data suggest that Cyclostomata is monophyletic. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Cold marine waters from 10 meters deep at high latitudes to 1300 meters at low altitudes. Lampreys feed on other fish and mammals. Hagfish are scavengers. No known parental care, fertilization is most likely external. |
| Distribution | Worldwide, except for tropics and polar regions. |
| Etymology | Ancient Greek for "without jaws." |
| External Links | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notochord. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnatha. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parietal_eye. |
Class Placodermi (Armored Jawed Fish)
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| Physical Description | Most were small fish reaching lengths of 15 cm; however, a few species reached lengths of 4 to 10 meters. They all have jaws, an internal skeleton, head and trunk armor, paired fins, and projecting spines to the sides of the trunk shield. A neck joint allowed them to lift the anterior portion of their head shield. They were the first vertebrates to evolve paired pelvic fins. |
| Fossil Range | They were among first jawed fish. |
| Taxonomy | Silurian to Devonian. They had the greatest diversity during the Devonian, aka the "Age of Fish." They became extinct at end-Devonian Hangenberg event. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Placoderms lived in both marine and freshwater environments. They were predators and some may have been filter feeders. |
| Additional Information | Placodermi means "tablet or plate skin" |
Genus Bothriolepis
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| Physical Description | About 60 cm to 1 meter long; average of 30 cm. Its dermal skeleton was organized in three layers: a superficial lamellar layer, a cancellous spongiosa, and a compact basal lamellar layer. The thoracic shield covered almost half of their body |
| Fossil Range | Middle and Late Devonian |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | It was a bottom-dweller inhabiting streams and lakevand found all over the world. Bothroolpis was not a pursuit predator with its small jaws and teeth and probably fed on bottom-dwelling invertebrate. It was a detrivore. |
| Adaptations Over Time | In addition to its gills, they had pouches that connected to the oesophagus, which may have been rudimentary lungs that may have allowed them to live for short periods out of the water. |
| Distribution | Northern Hemisphere |
| Additional Information | Its name means “trench scale” |
Genus Dunkleosteus
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| Physical Description | Measured up to 10 meters (33 ft.) and weighed 4 tons. Instead of teeth, they had 2 pairs of sharp plates which formed a beak. |
| Fossil Range | Late Devonian. It became extinct in the Hangenberg event. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Probably inhabited inshore waters, and may have been pelagic. It was the apex predator of its range. They were slow swimmers so they ambushed their prey to hunt. |
| Distribution | North America, Poland, Belgium, and Morocco |
| Additional Information | Dunkleosteus was named after David Dunkle "Dunkle + Osteus = Dunkle’s bone." |
Class Chondrichthyes (Cartilaginous Fish)
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| Physical Description | They were among the first vertebrates to evolve jaws and bony teeth. Their pectoral fins are fused on the top of their heads. They have skeletons primarily composed of bone tissue, as opposed to cartilage. |
| Fossil Range | Late Silurian to recent. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They were predators, with teeth well suited to molluscs and baculites. Some lived in freshwater in the Early Paleozoic but others lived in salt water. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They are a very diverse taxonomic group of fish. |
| Additional Information | Due to their lack of a swim bladder, they must continuously swim to avoid sinking. |
Superorder Selachimorpha (Sharks)
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| Physical Description | Their skeletons made of cartilage instead of bone. They shed and replaced their teeth and scales. They have Ampullae of Lorenzini in order to detect the electromagnetic fields produced by their prey. |
| Fossil Range | Silurian to recent. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Among the top marine predators |
Genus Otodus
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| Physical Description | The largest known teeth measure about 104 mm (4.1 in) in height. They at least reached 9.1 m (30 ft) in total length with a max length of 12.2 m (40 ft). |
| Fossil Range | Lower Paloecene to Middle Miocene. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They primarily ate other sharks. |
| Adaptations Over Time | Scientists determined it evolved into genus Carcharocles, given substantial fossil evidence in form of transitional teeth. |
| Additional Information | Otodus means “ear-shaped tooth” |
Genus Carcharocles
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| Physical Description | Carcharocles is estimated to be 13 meters long - they are one of the world's largest predators. They have about 24 teeth in their upper jaw and 20 in their lower jaw. |
| Fossil Range | Early Eocene to Pliocene |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They could be found in shallow coastal waters, swampy coastal lagoons, offshore deep water environments, etc. They are a transient species - they often move around. |
| Distribution | Found in North and South America, Africa, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. |
| Additional Information | In Greek, Carcharocles means "Famed for Jaggedness." |
Species C. megalodon
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| Physical Description | C. Megalodon was up to 18 m (59 ft) in length. Its skeleton was heavily calcified. They had about 276 teeth in 5 rows. |
| Fossil Range | Cenzoic era - Middle Miocene to end of Pliocene. Became extinct due to oceanic cooling, sea level drops, decline in food supply, and new competition. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Adults were not abundant in shallow water environments, and mostly lurked offshore. They gave birth to their young in shallow water environments. They preyed upon whales, porpoises, sea turtles, etc. |
| Additional Information | Megalodon means "big tooth" in Greek. |
Superorder Batoidea (Rays)
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| Common Names | Skates and Rays |
| Physical Description | They have flattened bodies with wing-like pectoral fins and whip-like tails. Their eyes are on top of their bodies with their gills under. They have heavy, rounded teeth for crushing the shells of prey. |
| Fossil Range | Early triassic |
| Taxonomy | Contains more than 500 species, and 13 families. |
Class Actinopterygii (ray-finned)
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| Physical Description | They possess lepidotrichia or “fin rays.” Size ranges from 0.3in to 36 feet! |
| Fossil Range | Late Silurian - recent |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They feed on algae, diatoms, insects, and smaller fish. Freshwater and marine environment. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They were the first ever bony fish! The swim bladder evolved into a more efficient organ in the teleost making them neutrally buoyant. |
| Distribution | Remains have been found in Russia, Sweden, and Estonia |
| Additional Information | Actinopterygians are the dominant class of vertebrates, comprising nearly 99% of the over 30,000 species of fish. They account for half of living vertebrates |
Genus Knightia
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| Physical Description | Knightia has heavy scales and small, conical teeth. They were typically 3-5 inches long - the longest was Knightia eocaena which grew up to 10 inches long. |
| Fossil Range | Early Eocene. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Freshwater lakes and rivers. Ate small marine organisms like plankton, diatoms, algae, etc. They travelled in large schools. Were an abundant food source for larger predators. |
| Distribution | North America and Asia |
| Additional Information | Knightia is the state fossil of Wyoming - they are abundant in the Green River formation. They are the most commonly excavated fish in the world! |
Genus Xiphactinus
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| Common Names | "Bulldog fish" |
| Physical Description | The tail is forked, and attached to a narrow base. At 25-30 feet long, it was the largest bony fish of the Cretaceous. The jaw is very mobile, and therefore able to take in large prey. |
| Fossil Range | Cretaceous. They became extinct due to the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Shallow and deep marine. They ate fish, seabirds, and maybe pterosaurs. |
| Additional Information | Their name comes from the Latin & Greek for “sword ray.” State fossil of Kansas. |
Class Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned)
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| Physical Description | Their fins differ from those of all other fish - each is on a fleshy, lobelike stalk extending from the body. |
| Fossil Range | Late Silurian to recent. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They live in a combination of aquatic and terrestrial environments, hibernating while on land. They are ovoviviparous, and they have lungs and gills. |
Genus Eusthenopteron
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| Common Names | Fish with Legs. |
| Physical Description | They were 5-6 feet long, and covered in scaly skin. |
| Fossil Range | Late Devonian |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They lived in shallow waterways, and preyed on smaller fish. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They have a close relationship to tetrapods. |
| Additional Information | The name means “strongly developed fins” (Greek). |
Genus Latimeria (Coelacanth)
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| Physical Description | They are 200cm long and weigh 80 kg. |
| Fossil Range | Middle Pleistocene to recent. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They are found in deep reefs and volcanic slopes - both freshwater and marine environments. |
| Additional Information | The name is from the Greek words "koilos" meaning “hollow” and "akantha" meaning “spine.” They live very long - possibly up to 80-100 years! They are one of the most endangered genus of animals in the world. |
Genus Tiktaalik
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| Physical Description | 3 to 9 feet long. The eyes were on the top of the skull, rather than the sides. The shoulders were not connected to the skull, so it had a functional neck. |
| Fossil Range | Late Devonian |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They ate smaller fish and bug-like creatures. It is unlikely that they could live entirely on land. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They were an extremely important transitional form between fish and tetrapods. |
| Additional Information | There is only one species: Tiktaalik rosae. "Tiktaalik" means "large freshwater fish" (Inuktitut language) |
Class Amphibia (Amphibians)
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| Physical Description | Changes in anatomy allowed the upper body to be propped up for breathing, the head to turn, and created a rigid structure strong enough to support walking. Their eyes are larger than their predecessors because eyesight is more important on land than in water. They can weigh up to 500 pounds. |
| Fossil Range | Devonian to recent. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Marine and terrestrial. Carnivorous. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They may have moved to land because of seasonal droughts and escape from drying pools, or maybe because they were carnivores and the land had a lot of arthropods which they could eat. |
| Additional Information | "Amphibia" means “double life” and refers to a life cycle that includes an aquatic existence and a terrestrial existence. |
Genus Acanthostega
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| Physical Description | 1 meter long. They had 8 fingers on each hand linked by webbing - no wrists. |
| Fossil Range | Late Devonian |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Shallow, weed-choked swamps. |
| Adaptations Over Time | In general, they were pretty poorly adapted for going on land (for example, joints weren't very mobile, shoulder and forearm were very fish-like, ribs were too short to support chest out of water). |
| Additional Information | The name means "spiny roof." |
Genus Eryops
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| Physical Description | Usually 1.5 - 2 meters long, but could grow up to 3 meters long, making them some of the largest land animals of their time. Average mass was 90 kg. They had an unusually large skull and mouth, with many teeth. The shoulder girdle is disconnected from the skull for improved terrestrial locomotion. |
| Fossil Range | Mainly Permian - appeared in the Pennslvanian epoch. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Predator - large fish and aquatic tetrapods. Habitat was lowland habitats in and around ponds, streams, and rivers - juveniles probably lived in swamps which gave them protection from predators, while adults spent most of their time on land. |
| Distribution | Southwestern United States. |
| Additional Information | Name means "drawn-out face." |
Genus Diplocaulus
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| Physical Description | Up to 1 meter in length. They had a distinct boomerang-shaped head. Skulls are up to 16 inches wide across the horn tips. Their mouth gape was very small because the lower jaw hinge was posterior to the eye sockets. |
| Fossil Range | Late Permian. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Rivers, lakes, swamps. They ate insects and fish. |
| Adaptations Over Time | Their head shape could have been defensive because predators would have a hard time trying to swallow such a large head. |
| Distribution | North America and North Africa. |
| Additional Information | Name means "double caul." |
Class Reptilia (Reptiles)
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| Physical Description | They range from 17 mm to 6 m in length. They have a 3-chambered heart with 2 atria, 1 ventricle, and 2 aortas. They use lungs to breathe. Their skin is rather thin so it is often covered in scales. |
| Fossil Range | Pennsylvanian to recent. They were dominant during the late Paleozoic and Mesozoic. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They are oviparous, and they shed their skin continuously throughout their lifetimes. Most are insectivorous or carnivorous |
Order Crocodilia (crocodiles)
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Order Testudines (turtles)
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Order Icthyosauria (Ichthyosaurs)
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| Physical Description | Usually around 2-4 meters in length. They could swim at speeds up to 25 mph. They have the largest known eyes of any reptile. |
| Fossil Range | Early Triassic to Late Cretaceous. They were the most abundant in the late Triassic and early Jurassic. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Carnivorous, viviparous. Sight was their main sense, and their hearing may have been poor. |
| Distribution | All Mesozoic oceans - Europe and Asia. |
| Additional Information | Their name means "fish lizard." |
Order Squamata
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Family Mosasauridae (Mosasaurs)
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| Physical Description | They were anywhere from 2.5 to 17 meters long. Their jaws were double-hinged and flexible, so they would often gulp down their prey whole. They had an expanded chest region, suggesting that they had 2 lungs. |
| Fossil Range | Late Cretaceous |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Warm, shallow seas. They were dominant marine predators. They were viviparous. |
| Distribution | Worldwide. |
| Additional Information | They are probably related to snakes due to similarities in their jaws and skulls. |
Order Plesiosauria (Plesiosaurs & Pliosaurs)
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| Physical Description | They were anywhere from 3 to 20 meters long. They had a broad, flat body and a short tail. Their necks had up to 70 vertebrae. Plesiosaurs had long necks, small heads, and were slow, while pliosaurs had shorter necks, large heads, and were apex predators. They had a euryapsid skull. |
| Fossil Range | Late Triassic - Late Cretaceous. Became extinct in the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Oceanic environment. Plesiosaurs ate fish and cephalopods. Pliosaurs ate fish, cephalopods, sharks, ichthyosaurs, and even plesiosaurs. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They have two main morphs - plesiosaurs and pliosaurs. |
| Distribution | Worldwide |
| Additional Information | Their name comes from the Greek "plesios" meaning "near to" and "sauros" meaning "lizard." |
Order Pterosauria (Pterosaurs)
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Clade Dinosauria (Dinosaurs)
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Order Saurischia (lizard-hipped)
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Suborder Theropoda
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Genus Allosaurus
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Genus Coelophysis
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Genus Dilophosaurus
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Genus Spinosaurus
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Genus Tyrannosaurus
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Genus Velociraptor
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Suborder Sauropodamorpha
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Genus Brachiosaurus
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Genus Diplodocus
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Genus Patagotitan
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Genus Plateosaurus
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Order Ornithischia (bird-hipped)
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Infraorder Anklyosauria
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Genus Ankylosaurus
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Infraorder Ceratopsia
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Genus Triceratops
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Genus Protoceratops
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Infraorder Ornithopoda
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Genus Iguanodon
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Genus Parasaurolophus
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Genus Maiasaura
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Infraorder Pachycephalosauria
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Genus Dracorex
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Infraorder Stegosauria
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Genus Stegosaurus
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Class Aves (Birds)
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Genus Archaeopteryx
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| Physical Description | A feathered dinosaur that could be the size of a bluejay to a chicken. Looked similar to a theropod other than the fact that it had feathers. |
| Fossil Range | Late Jurassic |
| Distribution | Europe |
Genus Titanis (Terror Bird)
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| Physical Description | Large flightless carnivore bird. It could reach heights of about 2.5 meters and usually weighed around 150kg. It can most easily be recognized by its large skull and hooked beak. |
| Fossil Range | Pliocene-Early Pleistocene |
| Distribution | North America |
Genus Icthyornis
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Clade Synapsida
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Mammal-like Reptiles
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Genus Dimetrodon (pelycosaurs)
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| Physical Description | They grew up to 3.5 meters long. They have 2 types of teeth - shearing teeth and canine teeth. They have a sail supported by spines sprouting from the vertebrates. |
| Fossil Range | Permian to Cisuralian. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They were an apex predator. |
| Adaptations Over Time | Their sail had many uses, such as thermoregulation, sexual display, looking larger to predators, and stabilization of the spine. |
| Distribution | Mainly Southwestern US, but also Europe. |
| Additional Information | "Dimetrodon" means "2 measures teeth." |
Genus Lystrosaurus (therapsids)
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| Physical Description | About 3 feet long. They don't have any teeth besides the tusk-like upper canines. They had huge forearms - thought to be a powerful burrower. |
| Fossil Range | Late Permian to Early Triassic. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Desert-like landscape. They were herbivores, and ate plants and roots. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They survived the Permian-Triassic extinction event. |
| Distribution | Mainly Africa. |
| Additional Information | "Lystrosaurus" means "shovel lizard." For a while, 95% of all land vertebrates were Lystrosaurus. They are good index fossils. |
Class Mammalia (Mammals)
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Genus Basilosaurus (prehistoric whale)
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Genus Equus (modern horse)
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Genus Australopithecus (hominin)
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Genus Homo (hominin)
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Species H. neanderthalensis
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Species H. erectus
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Species H. sapiens
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Genus Mammut (Mastodon)
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| Physical Description | Usually around 2.3 meters tall at the shoulders. Could weigh up to 4.5 tons. They had low-crowned or “bunodont” cheek teeth covered in thick enamel. They had 2 or 3 teeth in each half of the jaw. |
| Fossil Range | Late Miocene-Late Pleistocene |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They lived in forests. Their social groups consisted of females and young, while the males abandoned the mixed herds once reaching sexual maturity and lived either alone or in male bond groupings. They mainly ate trees and shrubs. |
| Distribution | North and Central America, less common in Africa and Eurasia |
| Additional Information | Their name means "nipple tooth." |
Genus Mammuthus (Mammoth)
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| Physical Description | About as large as a modern Asian elephant - 2.5 - 3 meters tall at the shoulder. The teeth consisted of a series of plates surrounding a dentine core. They were held together in a matrix of dental cement. |
| Fossil Range | Early Pliocene-Early Holocene |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They ate grasses, fruits, shrubs, etc. Baby mammoths ate the dung of the adults. |
| Distribution | North America, Eurasia. |
| Additional Information | The name means “earth” from the Tartar word "mamma." |
Species M. primigenius (Wooly Mammoth)
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| Physical Description | About the same size as modern African elephants - shoulder height 2.6 - 3.4 meters. They had 4 functional molars at a time. The tusks in males were usually around 2.5 meters long and weighed 45 kg, while in females they were only about 1.5 meters and weighed around 9 kg. They had an outer layer of long hair which was up to 90 cm long. They also had a denser, shorter inner layer of hair. |
| Fossil Range | Middle Pleistocene to Early Holocene. They became extinct due to climate change or hunting. |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | Grasses, herbaceous plants, flowering plants, shrubs, etc. Adults needed to eat 6 tons of food daily! They lived in matriarchal family groups. |
| Adaptations Over Time | They were well adapted to the cold environment of the last ice age - thick layer of fat, fur, small ears (to minimize frostbite), etc. |
| Distribution | Northern Eurasia and North America. |
| Additional Information | Their name means "first elephant" in Latin. State fossil of Alaska, Nebraska, and Vermont |
Genus Megacerops (Brontothere)
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| Physical Description | Up to 5 meters tall. They had an odd number of toes. The dorsal vertebrae above the shoulders had long spines to support the huge neck muscles needed to carry the heavy skull. They had a pair of blunt horns on their snout. |
| Fossil Range | Late Eocene |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | The shape of its teeth suggests that it preferred food such as soft stems and leaves, rather than tough vegetation. Adults may have used their horns to defend themselves and their calves from predators. |
| Distribution | North America |
| Additional Information | Name means "large-horned face." Closely related to Mesohippus. |
Genus Mesohippus (three-toed horse)
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| Physical Description | They were about 60 cm tall, 4 feet long, and weighed about 75 pounds. They had three toes. |
| Fossil Range | Middle Eocene to Early Oligocen |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They were herbivores, although their teeth were unsuited to grazing (this trait was adopted in later, more advanced horses) |
| Adaptations Over Time | Longer legs and longer/larger face than earlier equids. They were faster than earlier horses. They were the first of the three-toed horses. |
| Distribution | North America |
| Additional Information | In Greek, "meso" means "middle" and "hippos" means "horse." |
Genus Smilodon (saber-toothed cat)
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| Physical Description | They weighed up to 400 kg. Their teeth were about 7 inches long and their upper canines were more than 10 inches long. Teeth were fragile, and they had a weaker bite than other big cats. They had a hyoid bone to help them roar. They had shorter but more massive limbs than other felines. |
| Fossil Range | Pleistocene |
| Mode of Life or Habitat | They were carnivores - ate bison, elk, deer, etc. They may have lived in social groups. Canines may have been an attraction during mating. |
| Distribution | North and South America |
| Additional Information | In Greek, "smile" means "chisel" and "odous" means "tooth." There are hundreds of Smilodon fossils in the La Brea Tar Pits. |
