BIOL10005 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Dromaeosauridae, Prototheria, Eutheria
31 Oct 2018
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Document Summary
Amphibians (350 mya) -> reptiles (~330 mya) -> mammal-like reptiles (320 mya) -> Dinosaurs & crocodiles (230 mya) -> mammals (190 mya) -> birds (150 mya) Dinosaurs come from the same lineage as crocodiles. A new fossil showed characteristic of dromaeosaur but also had feathers & wings -> first evidence for evolutionary origin of birds from dinosaurs. Upright stance evolved (legs tucked under the body) Hip joints, and upper limb changed in mammals and dinosaurs -> changed stance -> longer legs and thus, quicker locomotion on land. The change of inherited traits found in populations of individuals over time. Not intentionally designed, or predetermined by the organism. Natural selection favours individuals that have advantageous traits, allowing them to survive and reproduce. Genetic change (adaptations) has to be heritable: ecology. Ecology is the way in which organisms interact with the abiotic and biotic factors in their environment. Ecological process drives evolution by natural selection.
