Chp 34 (1) Vertebrates

Flashcards focused on the key concepts, characteristics, and classifications related to vertebrates within the phylum Chordata.

What phylum do vertebrates and their close relatives belong to?

Phylum Chordata.

What are the four key characteristics of all chordates?

1. Notochord, 2. Dorsal hollow nerve cord, 3. Pharyngeal slits, 4. Postanal tail.

What is a lancelet classified as?

Subphylum Cephalochordata.

How many species of tunicates are there?

Approximately 3,000 marine species.

What characteristic do tunicate larvae exhibit?

Tadpole-like and exhibit all four chordate traits.

What is the main function of the cranium in vertebrates?

Protective housing for the brain.

What type of skeleton do vertebrates typically have?

Endoskeleton of cartilage or bone.

What additional characteristic do vertebrates have compared to other chordates?

A vertebral column, where the notochord is replaced by interlocking vertebrae.

What are jawless fishes adapted for?

Hagfishes are scavengers, and lampreys are often parasitic.

What class do sharks, skates, and rays belong to?

Class Chondrichthyes.

How do sharks reproduce?

They reproduce by internal fertilization with three strategies: oviparous, ovoviviparous, and viviparous.

What are the three features that separate bony fishes from cartilaginous fishes?

1. Bony skeleton, 2. Operculum that covers gills, 3. Swim bladder for buoyancy.

What adaptation do lungfishes possess that allows them to breathe air?

Lungs are homologous to tetrapod lungs.

What are the major groups of bony fishes?

Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes) and Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).

What major transition did tetrapods undergo?

They transitioned to life on land from aquatic environments.

What is one key adaptation tetrapods developed for life on land?

Adaptations to prevent desiccation, support outside water, and gas exchange.

What class do frogs, salamanders, and caecilians belong to?

Class Amphibia.

What type of heart do amphibians have?

A three-chambered heart.

How do amphibians generally reproduce?

They generally reproduce in water and have external fertilization.