Questions and Answers
Describe the plant-life and atmosphere of the earth during this period.
Much of the earth was covered in vast swamp forest with fifty meter distant relatives of ferns. Over one-third of the air was oxygen, making it an oxygen-rich atmosphere.
What physical changes have reptiles undergone compared to fish and amphibians that gives them a much greater range on land?
Tough scaly skin that traps moisture inside their body.
Incredibly large arthropods lived during this time. What modern arthropods do they resemble?
Mesothelae- spiders, Meganeurid- dragonflies, Arthropleura- millipedes.
Why were arthropods able to get so unusually large during the Carboniferous period?
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What advantage did the Petrolacosaurus have that allowed it to survive the huge fire?
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Describe how the climate changed moving into the next time period. Which group of animals did this favor? Why?
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What type of tree emerged and became dominant during this time period?
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What purpose did the sails of edaphosaurus and dimetrodon serve?
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What additional adaptations did dimetrodon have that made it such an effective predator?
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What behaviors were present in dimetrodon that helped increase the survival rate of its offspring?
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How might the practice of cannibalism, even from the mother herself, actually help the evolution of the dimetrodon species?
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Describe what changes reptiles underwent as the Permian period proceeded.
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Study Notes
Plant-Life and Atmosphere
- Earth was dominated by vast swamp forests with fern relatives growing up to fifty meters.
- The atmosphere contained over one-third oxygen, creating an oxygen-rich environment.
Reptilian Adaptations
- Reptiles evolved tough, scaly skin that retains moisture, enhancing their ability to inhabit land.
Giant Arthropods
- Mesothelae resembled modern spiders.
- Meganeurid were analogous to modern dragonflies.
- Arthropleura compared to contemporary millipedes.
Arthropod Size
- High oxygen levels during the Carboniferous period facilitated unusually large sizes in arthropods.
Petrolacosaurus Survival
- Speed and stamina enabled Petrolacosaurus to escape fire, contributing to its survival.
Climate Transition and Impact on Animals
- Transitioning climate became drier with declining oxygen levels.
- Reptiles thrived due to their efficient hearts and waterproof skin, providing an evolutionary advantage.
Dominant Tree Species
- Primitive conifers emerged as the dominant tree species during this period.
Function of Sails in Reptiles
- Edaphosaurus and Dimetrodon featured large sails made of vertebrae and tissue for thermoregulation, allowing them to absorb heat from the sun.
Dimetrodon's Predatory Adaptations
- Dimetrodon possessed specialized teeth: incisors for shearing flesh and serrated canines for cutting.
Parental Care in Dimetrodon
- Exhibited basic parental care behaviors, such as guarding eggs and monitoring nest temperatures to increase offspring survival.
Cannibalism as an Evolutionary Advantage
- Cannibalism, including maternal consumption, helps eliminate weak individuals, enhancing the overall survival of the species.
Reptilian Evolution in the Permian Period
- Leg structure evolved for upright posture and increased speed.
- Strengthened backbones and muscles supported enhanced mobility.
- Skull bones expanded, allowing for a larger brain.
- Development of large, sharp teeth improved predatory efficiency.
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Description
Explore the pre-dinosaur era with these informative flashcards that cover the atmospheric and physical transformations on Earth. Learn about the lush plant life and significant adaptations of reptiles in a highly oxygenated environment. This quiz is perfect for anyone interested in prehistoric life and evolution.