ANT 101 Lecture 16: Ant 101 (Introduction to Anthropology) - in-class notes 16
Document Summary
Organisms usually grouped according to similar physical traits. You can be separated into general groups than to more specific ones. Similarity between organisms strictly based on common function, not common evolutionary descent. Distantly related species share phenotypic characteristics due to similar environmental pressures, not recent descent. Similarity between organisms based on descent from a common ancestor. Must be distinguished from analogous characters in fossil and living organisms to infer evolutionary relationships. Now only talking about homologies 2 kinds of homologies. Character or trait seen on two (or more) organisms is inherited from a common ancestor. Traits inherited from a more recent common ancestor. Ex: primates" opposable thumb is unique doesn"t exist in earlier animals. Ex: eyes on front of head not on side of head. Groups are formed based on shared, derived traits. Balance within a biological system; compensates for internal and external. (in a physiological context): any change that acts to disrupt homeostasis.
