Glossary

talonid

the extraneous area formed by the entoconid, the hypoconid and sometimes the hypoconulid on the distal portion of the lower molar.

taphonomy

the study of the events and conditions that led to the fossilization and preservation of a particular specimen or assemblage of specimens.

taxon

a category (e.g., species, genus, family, and order) in the classification of organisms.

taxonomy

the process of applying appropriate and correct names for organisms, usually, but not always, on the basis of evolutionary relationships.

temperate zone

the region north of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north latitude) or south of the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees south latitude).

temporal

located at the lateral base of the skull; surrounded the external ear.

temporal foramen

the space bounded by the cranium (medially) and the zygomatic arch (laterally) through which the temporalis muscle passes to its insertion on the coronoid process of the mandible.

temporal fossa

the space (or depression) on the skull occupied by the temporal muscle.

terrestrial

ground.

terrestrial quadrupedalism

a mode of locomotion in which the animal moves along the ground with a regular gait pattern involving all four limbs. See also arboreal quadrupedalism.

territory

part of an organism's home range that is defended against invasion by other groups, particularly those of the same species.

theory

a tested hypotheses that describes an observable fact or facts. A theory usually consists of an abundance of related ideas and explanations verified to be true through various and repeatable experiments and observations.

thoracic vertebrae

the section of the vertebral column where the ribs attach. Modern humans have twelve thoracic vertebrae.

thorax

the chest region that usually houses the lungs, heart, esophagus and related structures.

trabecular bone

an interior web of bone that acts to reinforce the bones strength and stability; typically found near the ends of long bones and in between the cortex of flat bones. The structure of trabecular bone can be studied to determine an animal's habitual physical behaviors.

transcription

the production of a single strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) from a double-stranded sequence of DNA; the first part of the process of creating proteins from genes.

translation

the conversion of messenger RNA (mRNA) into a chain of amino acids that make up a protein that is coded for by the gene; the final step of the process of creating proteins from genes.

translocation

when a piece of a chromosome gets detached and is reattached in an inappropriate chromosome, resulting in a mutation.

Trephination

'The act of perforating the skull by grooving, scraping, or drilling to open the cranial cavity and allow for environmental interaction

trigon

the triangle formed by the protocone, paracone and metacone on the upper molar.

trigonid

the triangle formed by the protocone, paracone and metacone on the mesial portion of the lower molar.

trisomy

having three copies of a specific chromosome instead of two.

tropical zone

the region between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5 degrees north latitude) and south of the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5 degrees south latitude).

trunk

the torso of the body; place where appendages, head and/or tail attach.

tuberosity

a rugged or robust protuberance on a bone.

type specimen

one individual specimen that is used as the representative for a species