1. p. 1Diversity, Classification, and Evolution of Vertebrates
- F. Harvey Pough, F. Harvey PoughProfessor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
- William E. Bemis, William E. BemisProfessor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Faculty Curator of Ichthyology, Cornell University
- Betty McguireBetty McguireSenior Lecturer, Cornell University
- , and Christine M. JanisChristine M. JanisProfessor Emerita of Biology, Brown University, USA, Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
Abstract
This chapter explores the diversity, classification, and evolution of vertebrates. It highlights how evolution is central to biology since its overarching principles allow further understanding of how living organisms operate and organize their diversity. Phylogenetic systematics produces branching evolutionary diagrams or phylogenetic trees which show changes in characteristics. The chapter then covers the genetic mechanisms and environmental events that have shaped the evolution and biology of vertebrates. It looks into Earth's history in relation to the evolution of vertebrates and Earth's pattern of fragmentation and coalescence which isolated and renewed contacts of major groups of vertebrates, and which then produced the biogeographic distributions of vertebrates.
