Name and briefly describe (where needed) the six physical characteristics that are used to divide the major groups of vertebrates on the vertebrate cladogram shown between the Orientation Center and the Hall of Vertebrate Origins.

Name and briefly describe (where needed) the six physical characteristics that are used to divide the major groups of vertebrates on the vertebrate cladogram shown between the Orientation Center and the Hall of Vertebrate Origins.

As you walk through the 4th floor, you will see several other cladograms, one on the wall in the Hall of Saurichian Dinosaurs just outside the Dino Store and another in the Hall of Ornithichian Dinosaurs just outside the Dino Store. Pay particular attention to the traits listed on these cladograms as you consider your answers to Question 2 or Question 3. You will also see ‘signposts’ such as the one pictured on page 2 of this handout. Each signpost focuses on a particular trait found on one of the cladograms.

As you walk through the various 4th floor halls, pay particular attention to exhibits on the origin and evolution of limbs and the origin and evolution of the skull. In a short essay:

2. Choose a group of six fossils of different ages from the halls you visit. Trace the evolution of the types of vertebrate limbs in the fossils you have chosen, focusing on the relationships between structure and function.
OR
3 Choose a group of six fossils of different ages from the halls you visit. Trace the evolution of the skull, noting changes in anatomy and focusing on the relationships between structure and function.