Vertebrates and Invertebrates: Key Concepts

Set of vocabulary flashcards focusing on key concepts related to vertebrates and invertebrates.

Vertebrates

Animals that have a backbone or spinal column.

Invertebrates

Animals that do not have a backbone.

Gastrovascular Cavity

A digestive cavity with only one opening, where food enters and exits.

Alimentary Canal

A digestive system with two openings, allowing for a more efficient processing of food.

Williston’s Law

States that over time, segments in organisms tend to reduce in number and specialize in function.

Triploblastic

Organisms that have three tissue layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Bilateral Symmetry

A body plan in which the left and right sides are mirror images.

Coelomate

Animals with a body cavity that is fully lined with mesoderm.

Segmentation

The division of the body into repetitive segments, which can be external or internal.

Circulatory System

A system that circulates blood and nutrients throughout the organism.

Closed circulatory system

A circulatory system where blood circulates within vessels.

Accessory organs

Additional organs that assist in digestion, such as the pancreas and liver.

Surface area to volume ratio

A measure that affects the efficiency of gas exchange and nutrient absorption.

Dichotomous Key

A tool used to identify organisms by answering a series of questions.