Biology 109 Test #2 > Vertebrates > Flashcards

Vertebrates Flashcards

(79 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

What are the general characteristics of the phylum Chordates?

A
  1. Bilateral symmetry/triploblastic
  2. Coelomate
  3. Deuterostomes (anus first then mouth)
  4. complete digestive tract
  5. closed circulatory system
  6. most have endoskeleton
  7. Two groups of invertebrates, rest are vertebrates
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the DEFINING characteristics of the phylum Chordata?

A
  1. notochord
  2. dorsal, hollow nerve cord
  3. pharyngeal slits or clefts
  4. post-anal tail
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Humans are chordates, but they lack the defining characteristics of chordates because they were developed into something else, tell me what each of the 4 characteristics of chordates developed into in humans.

A
  1. Notochord was replaced by vertebrae
  2. Nerve cord developed into spinal cord
  3. pharyngeal slits formed eustachian tubes
  4. postanal tail is present as embryo but regresses
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are vertebrates?

A

Chordates with a backbone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are gnathostomes?

A

Vertebrates with jaws (think gnom gnom gnom)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are tetrapods?

A

Gnathostomes that have 4 limbs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What are amniotes?

A

Tetrapods that have terestrially adapted egg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are mammals?

A

amniotes that have hair and produce milk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are humans?

A

Mammals that have a large brain and bipedal locomotion.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe a lancelet (invertebrate)

A

Chordate

Named because of bladelike shape

Marine suspension feeder

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe a Tunicate (invertebrate)

A

Chordate

closer related to chordates than lancelets

resemble chordates during larval stage, but lose characteristics in adulthood

Have incurrent and excurrent siphon that filter food in water

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the defining characteristics of a vertebrate?

A
  1. Vertebral column replaces embryonic notocord
  2. Skull protects brain, high degree of cephalization
  3. Endoskeleton used for protection and muscle attachment
  4. Large coelom and internal organs, various body systems
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe an agnathan (clade: cyclostoma).

A

Vertebrate

Jawless fish

cartilagenous skeleton

no scales or paired fins

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are two examples of an agnathan (vertebrate)

A

Hagfish - bottom-dwelling marine scavenger, have slime glands that secrete slime that covers gills and suffocates predators

Lampreys - parasites of live fish

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe gnathostomes and what are the two clades we need to know?

A

“Jawed fishes”

2 Clades: Chondrichthyans and Osteichthyans

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe the clade of chondrichthyans (gnathostomes).

A

Shark, stingray, ratfish

Cartilagenous fishes

uncovered gill slits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Go in depth on sharks (gnathostome: Chondrichthyan)

A

ampullae of lorenzini: detects electrical fields of nearby animal (for predation), located around the sharks nose

Most are predators, some of the largers ones are suspension feeders

Three ways embryos can develop (all internal) (will be described in another card)

have a cloaca - reproductive, excretory, and digestive tract all empty into common area

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Describe the three ways a sharks embryo can develop.

A

Oviparous - Eggs hatch outside the mothers body

Ovoviviparous - embryo develops within the uterus and is nourished by the egg yolk

Viviparous - Embryo develops in the uterus and is nourished through a yolk sac placenta from the mothers blood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Describe osteichthyans (gnathostomes).

A

Bony fishes (and tetrapods)

gill slits covered with bone (operculum)

lateral line system - tactile sensory organ that detects movement and pressure changes in water

Swim bladder (needed because bone weighs fish down)

Oviparous - Lay eggs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the two types of osteichthyans (gnathostomes) we talked about in class?

A

Ray-finned fish - fin derived from skin, most fish are ray-finned (tuna, mudskipper, lionfish, seahorse, fine-spotted moray eel)

Lobe-finned fish - thick and fleshy fins supported by bones. Can swim and “walk” underwater. (coelacanths, lungfishes, tetrapods)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the huge thing that happened for vertebrates about 365 million years ago?

A

fins of some lobe-finned fish became limbs and feet of tetrapods.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the characteristics of a tetrapod?

A
  1. Four limbs and feet w/ digits
  2. Neck that allows head movement separate from body
  3. fusion of pelvic girdle to backbone
  4. absence of gills
  5. ears for detecting airborne sounds
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What are the benefits to life on land?

A

Escape from aquatic predators

Access to new resources

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the significance of Tiktaalik?

A

nicknamed fishopod

showed both fish and tetrapod characteristics, as well as a transition to life on land

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What were the tetrapod and fish characteristics of Tiktaalik?
Fish: fins, gills and lungs, and fins Tetrapod: Neck, ribs, fin skeleton, flat skull, eyes on top of skull
26
what are the three orders of amphibians (tetrapod)?
Urodela - have tails Anura - no tails Apoda - no legs
27
Describe Urodela (tetrapod: amphibian).
Salamanders and newts Axolotl show paedomorphosis - the retention of juvenile features in sexually mature organisms
28
Describe Anurans (tetrapod: amphibian)?
Frogs Lack tails and have powerful hind legs for locomotion on land Frogs with leathery skin are toads
29
Describe Apoda (tetrapod: amphibians).
Resemble worms absence of legs in secondary adaptation nearly blind
30
Describe some of the features of amphibians.
Cutaneous breathing - skin aids lungs in gas exchange Tadpoles: lack legs but eventually grow legs, lungs, ears, and predatory adaptations come during metamorphosis
31
How do amphibians fertilize eggs?
Outside of the body mostly, require a moist environment In some species the male or females carry their eggs in their mouth, gut, or backs.
32
Why have amphibian populations been decreasing in recent decades?
a chytrid fungus causes disease that dries out skin and suffocates them.
33
What are the two types of amniotes (tetrapods w/ terrestrially adapted egg)?
Reptiles and mammals
34
What are the specific characteristics of amniotes?
1. Amniotic (shelled) egg w/ 4 extraembryonic membranes 2. embryos in eggs are bathed in fluids 3. skin is rich in keratin, preventingit from drying out 4. lungs throughout their life 5. Kidneys conserve water 6. Internal fertilization
35
What are the functions of the amnion, chorion, yolk sac, and allantois in an amniotic egg?
amnion - fluid filled cavity chorion - gas exchange yolk sac - nutrient and water storage allantois - disposes metabolic wastes
36
Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that absorbing external heat is how they raise their body temperature, this is why we see snakes and other reptiles "sunning". Endotherms are capable of maintaining their body temperature through their own metabolism. WHAT ARE SOME ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BOTH OF THESE MODES OF BODY TEMPERATURE REGULATION?
Advantages of ectothermy: do not need a constant food supply to drive metabolism and have simple control mechanisms for body heat Disadvantages of ectothermy: cannot survive in a wide range of conditions (Winters for example). Advantages of endothermy: Can survive in a wide range of conditions and habitats Disadvantages of endothermy: must have a constant food supply to drive metabolism and have complex control mechanisms
37
What are the four orders of reptiles?
Chelonia (turtles and tortoises) Rynchocephalia (tuataras) Squamata (snakes and lizards) Crocidilia (crocodiles and alligators)
38
Describe turtles.
Boxlike shell: upper shield (carapace) and lower shell (plastron) that is fused to the vertebrae, clavicles and ribs
39
Describe tuataras.
Lizard-like reptiles Lepidosaurs (have scales) LOCATED IN SMALL ISLANDS OFF NEW ZEALAND THREATENED BY INTRODUCED RATS THAT EAT THEIR EGGS
40
Describe snakes and lizards.
Lepidosaurs Snakes evolved from lizards Snakes are carnivorous and have: - chemical sensors - heat-detecting organs - venom - loosely articulated jawbones and elastic skin
41
Describe why Crocodilians are the closrest living relative to birds.
Closest living relatives to birds because: - vocal - parental behavior - 4 - chambered heart (no mixing of 0-2 rich and 0-2 poor blood)
42
what are two types of crocodilians?
crocodiles and alligators
43
What are the key characteristics of birds (amniote)?
1. Keratinized feathers that are derived from scales (help insulate, help w/ courting, flight, and to keep skin dry) 2. They are lightweight: no bladder, no teeth, thin bones, females have one ovary 3. lungs are connected to air sacs that store O2 4. 4-chambered heart 5. endothermic 6. well-developed sense organs and nervous systems (acute vision) 7. internal fertilization 8. have cloaca
44
What are some benefits to flight?
enhance hunting and scavenging escape terrestrial predators migration
45
Where did birds descend from?
A small group of carnivorous dinosaurs
46
What are some of the groups of birds that are flightless?
ratites (ostrich, rhea, emu) penguins some species of rails, ducks, pigeons
47
What is the largest order of birds?
Passeriformes (perching birds)
48
What are the characteristics that describe mammals?
1. mammary glands that produce milk 2. hair 3. endothermy - high metabolic rate 4. larger brain that other vertebrates of similar size 5. differentiated teeth
49
What are the three living lineages of mammals?
Prototherians (monotremes) Metatherians (marsupials) Eutherians (placentals)
50
Describe monotremes (prototherians) and give some examples of them, where are they native to?
- Lack mammary glands but mothers skin releases milk - Lay eggs echidnas (spiny anteaters) and platypus Native to Australia and New Guinea
51
What is one way that a platypus (monotreme) fends off predators?
They release a toxin
52
Describe marsupials (metatherians), give some examples of them, and where are they native to?
- Embryo develops in placenta in mothers uterus, but, embryonic development is completed in a maternal pouch (marsupium). - Kangaroos, koalas, and opossum - Native to Australia and Americas
53
Describe Eutherians (placentals).
- young develop in mothers body, pregnancy lasts longer than marsupials - embryo nourished by placenta (allows diffusion of substances between maternal and embryonic bloodstreams) Only mammals to live in the sea and fly
54
Describe the O2 content of umbilical arteries/veins and maternal arteries/veins.
Umbilical vein - O2 rich Umbilical artery - O2 poor blood Maternal artery - O2 rich Maternal vein - O2 poor
55
Describe convergent evolution as it relates to marsupials and eutherians, what is an example of this?
- Happens when unrelated organisms share a feature. | - Example: sugar glider (marsupial) and a flying squirrel (eutherian)
56
Are monotremes oviparous or viviparous? What does this mean? Do they have a vagina or cloaca? Uterus? Do they have nipples or produce milk?
Oviparous Meaning they lay eggs (no placenta) cloaca and no uterus No nipples but produce milk
57
Are marsupials oviparous or viviparous? What does this mean? Do they have a vagina or cloaca? Uterus? Do they have nipples or produce milk?
vivparous means they give live birth means they have placenta (simple: has yolk) vagina and uterus nipples and milk
58
Are eutherians (placentals) oviparous or viviparous? What does this mean? Do they have a vagina or cloaca? Uterus? Do they have nipples or produce milk?
vivparous means they give live birth means they have placenta (complex: tissues) vagina and uterus nipples and milk
59
With monotremes being oviparous (egg laying), what is the process they undergo to develop the yolk?
Vitellogenesis, which includes vitellogenin (VTG) proteins that are encoded by VIT genes.
60
Do all mammals have VIT (for vitellogenesis)? If so, why dont they all produce a yolk?
YES, however they are all inactive (pseudogenes) except for in monotremes
61
What are the defining characteristics of primates which are eutherians which are mammals?
1. Have feet and adapted them for grasping, have flat nails 2. large brain and short jaws 3. forward-looking eyes close together on the face that help to provide depth perception 4. complex social behavior and parental care 5. fully opposable thumbs (monkeys and apes)
62
What are the three main groups of primates?
lemurs tarsiers monkeys & apes (anthropoids)
63
What is one main way to tell between a monkey and an ape?
monkeys have tails and apes do not
64
where did new world monkeys first appear?
South America
65
What are two main characteristics of New World monkeys?
they are arboreal (live in trees) and have a prehensile tail (can grasp)
66
Give an example of an OW and a NW monkey
OW - macaque NW - spider monkey
67
Where are apes diverged from?
OW monkeys
68
What are some examples of apes?
gibbons, gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and humans
69
What are some specific characteristics for humans?
1. upright posture and bipedal locomotion 2. larger brains that are capable of language, symbolic thought, artistic expression, and the manufacture and use of complex tools 3. reduced jaw bones and jaw muscles 4. shorter digestive tract
70
Which ape genome is 99% identical to humans? What does this tell us?
Chimpanzees This tells us that changes in regulatory genes can have a large effect on the organism
71
What are the closest related group to humans other than chimpanzees?
Hominins
72
What is special about homo habilus?
These were the first handymen, earliest found "homo", made stone tools
73
What is homo ergaster known for?
Decrease in sexual dimorphism (difference in size between gender)
74
Where did homo erectus migrate from?
Africa
75
What are some characteristics of homo neanderthalensis?
Lived in Europe thicker bones larger brains made tools for hunting buried their dead
76
What are the two hominins that homo sapiens (the only living hominin left, this is US) mated with?
neanderthalensis and erectus we made tools and art, showed first signs of sophisticated thought
77
What is the advantage of bipedal locomotion?
it is more energy efficient than walking on all fours.
78
Where did homo spaiens originate from?
Africa
79
What are 2 common misconceptions about human evolution and the correction for them?
1. Early hominins were chimpanzees - Hominins and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor 2. Human evolution is like a ladder leading directly to homo sapiens - Hominin evolution included many branches or coexisting species, though only humans survive today
Biology 109 Test #2
flashcards
Decks in class (7)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions