BIOL 1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Medulla Oblongata, Cambrian Explosion, Hindbrain

• School: York University
• Department: Biology
• Course: BIOL 1001
• Professor: Alexander Mills

Document Summary

Arises from the anterior end of the dorsal hollow nerve cord. Help the herbivores and predators to make rapid and directed movements. Together, cranium and vertebrae protect the central nervous system. The coordinated movements are possible on vertebrates due to the presence of large brain with elaborated parts responsible for distinct functions. Forebrain: responsible for sense of smell and is also elaborated into cerebrum. Hindbrain: responsible for maintaining balance and hearing in some species. In gnathostomes ( jawed vertebrates) it is divided into medulla oblongata and cerebellum. The development of cranium and vertebrae was a key innovation in vertebrate evolution. We study vertebrate evolution as vertebrates are large, conspicuous and consist of humans. It provides us with an understanding on how vertebrates diversified. In order to answer this question, we refer to the vertebrate fossil record and the phylogenies. Provides with the evidences that explains the vertebrate evolution.