Christopher Chatman

Assignment 3
1.
Whats the difference between shared primitive characters and shared derived
characters?
Share primitive characters are shared by members of a particular clade which
originated in an ancestor that is not a member of that clade.
Shared derived characters are evolutionary features that are unique to a particular
clade.
2.
In your own words, describe a) an anatomical homology, and b) a molecular
homology.
Anatomical homology is similar anatomical features shared by different species.
Molecular homology is where organisms share similar DNA sequences.
3.
In constructing phylogenetic trees, what is the concept of maximum parsimony?
It is where the tree minimizes the total number of character changes.
4.
List the characteristics and the hypothesized sequence of events in the origin of
animals from single-celled eukaryotes (see the lecture slides).
They are cells without cell walls. Specialized tissues for sex cell production. Diploid
body cells and haploid gametes
5.
Compare the developmental differences between protostomes and deuterostomes,
including
pattern of cleavage, coelom development, and cell determination. Why can it be said that
deuterostomes develop butt-first?
Protostomes development begins with spiral, determinate cleavage.
In protostome development, the coelom forms from splits in the mesoderm
In protostome development, the mouth forms from the blastopore.
Deuterostome development is characterized by radial, indeterminate cleavage.
In deuterostome development, the coelom forms from mesodermal outpocketings of the
archenteron.
In deuterostome development, the mouth forms from a secondary opening.
Deuterostomes develop butt-first because the mouth is derived from the secondary
opening.

6.
Describe some of the broad similarities and differences between the two animal
phylogenetic
hypotheses in your textbook (9th edition, also found in the lecture slides):
I.
phylogeny based upon analyses of morphological and developmental traits
II. phylogeny based upon recent molecular comparisons.
Similarities: In general, organisms that share very similar morphologies or similar DNA
sequences are likely to be more closely related than organisms with vastly different
structures or sequences of DNA.
Differences: Some animals will share the same morphological features as other species
but their molecular makeup will differ.
7.
Discuss the importance of gene duplication in chordate evolution. Why are
duplications of Hox genes of particular importance?
Hox and other gene duplication add derived traits. Hox genes are regulatory genes.
8. What were the first mineralized structures in vertebrates? What sort of functional
changes did the mineralization of those structures allow?
Mouthparts such as teeth for feeding. Vertebrates became more efficient at capturing food
and avoid being preyed upon.
9.
Describe three new evolutionary adaptations that occurred with the origin of
gnathostomes.
Four limbs, feet with digits, and ears for detecting sound.
10. Explain what the term amphibian says about their habitat, and about the evolution
of this group of organisms.
Most amphibians have moist skin that complements the lungs in gas exchange.
Fertilization is external in most species, and the eggs require a moist environment to
develop.
11. Describe reptile features that are adaptive for life on land.
The reptile egg, containing everything an embryo need for nutrients and development
while being covered by a protective shell, allows it to survive in hot and dry
environments.
12. Explain what Tiktaalik suggests about the origin of tetrapods.
The first tetrapods appeared 365 million years ago. It had gills, and scales. Ribs to breath
air and support its body, and a neck. It also had fins with the bone pattern that replicated a
tetrapod limb.
13. Are snakes tetrapods? Explain your answer.
Yes. They do not have visible limbs in the adult stage but as embryos a snake does have
four limbs which classify them as tetrapods.

14. Describe the derived characters of humans that distinguish them from other apes.
Even though the genomes of humans and chimpanzees are 99% identical, what are two
factors that account for them being so different from one another?
Humans stand upright and are bipedal. Humans have a much larger brain and capable of
language, symbolic thought, and the manufacture and use of complex tools. Humans also
have reduced jawbones and jaw muscles, along with a shorter digestive tract.
15. Explain what analyses of mitochondrial and Y chromosome DNA suggest about
Homo sapiens'origins and geographic migrations.
Studies of the human Y chromosome suggest that humans spread beyond Africa in one or
more waves. First migrating to Asia and then to Europe and Australia.