Autapomorphy
Allows us to identify a taxa as distinct from all other taxa, but gives us no information regarding how it is related to other taxa
Synapomorphy
A character that is shared uniquely between a group of taxa; allows us to cluster group of organisms into closely-related clades
Monophyletic Group
Includes an ancestor and all of its descendants
GOOD :D
Paraphyletic Group
Begins with an ancestor but does not include all of its descendants
E.g. separation of Reptilia and Aves into two separate classes
BAD!!
Chordata
Synapomorphies:
Other features:
- Pharyngeal slits
Pharyngeal slits
Depending on the group, can be used for feeding or respiration
Passageway between external environment and the pharynx
- Formed when inward ectoderm buds and outward endoderm buds meet
Not a synapomorphy for the Chordata but are a very important part of their evolution
Dorsal hollow nerve cord
Together with the brain, later forms the central nervous system
Formed by the ectoderm, which rolls and forms a hollow tube
Notochord
Semi-rigid, cartilaginous rod
Functions as support, site for muscle attachment
Becomes the backbone (intervertebral discs anyway) in later taxa
- Is present in embryonic stages
Post-anal tail
Functions as a propulsive mechanism
Is exactly what it sounds like… tail posterior to the anus
Cephalochordata
Lancelets & amphioxus
Within Chordata
- Min. 540 MYA
- Marine
Characteristics:
Olfactores
Group within Chordata, contains:
Synapomorphies:
Urochordata
Within Olfactores
Tunicates, sea squirts
- ~520 MYA
- Marine
Autapomorphies:
Characteristics:
Importance of basal chordates
Vulnerability of basal chordates
None have been assessed for conservation purposes yet
Major threat probably habitat disturbance/degradation
Cristozoa
Group within Oflactores, contains:
Synapomorphies:
Proto-vertebrae
Complete notochord has irregular cartilaginous blocks in places
True gills
Haikouella
Group within Cristozoa
Extinct
Characteristics:
Vertebrata
Group within Cristozoa, contains:
Synapomorphy: skull
Cyclostomata
Group within Vertebrata, contains:
- Myxiniformes
- Petromyzontiformes
Round-mouthed fishes
Synapomorphy: white blood cells have unique antigen receptor genes (makes immune system very different)
Myxiniformes
Group within Cyclostomata
Hagfishes
- Marine
Autapomorphies:
Characteristics:
Petromyzontiformes
Group within Cyclostomata
Lampreys
- Marine or freshwater
Characteristics:
Petromyzontiformes - Life cycle
Ammocoete larvae hatch, burrow in ground, and live as filter feeders for 3-7 years –> undergo metamorphosis and develop eyes, oral disc, etc. –> adults are parasitic or free living –> build nest in gravel –> spawn –> die
Cyclostomata - Uses