Echinoderms and Chordates Overview

Flashcards covering key concepts regarding the water vascular system, phylum Echinodermata, phylum Chordata, key features of various classes, and human evolution.

The unique water vascular system in Echinodermata is used for __, circulation, excretion, respiration, and feeding.

movement

Phylum Chordata includes tunicates, salps, lancelets, and __.

craniates

The four key features of Chordates are notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and __.

muscular, post-anal tail

Cephalochordata, which includes lancelets, are characterized by an enlarged __ that projects anterior to the head.

notochord

Urochordata adults only retain one chordate feature, which is the __.

pharynx

Myxini, also known as __, lack jaws and possess slime glands.

hagfish

Class Chondrichthyes includes sharks, skates, and __.

rays

A key feature of gnathostomes is the presence of __ for feeding.

jaws

Tetrapods evolved from lobe-finned fishes and possess a __ and ribcage for lung support.

neck

The defining characteristic of Class Mammalia is the presence of __ for nurturing young.

mammary glands

Amniote tetrapods have adapted to live on land by developing the __ to protect the embryo.

amniotic egg

Hominins are characterized by small body and brain size, and are represented by the genus __.

Australopithecus

Modern humans belong to the species __, derived from the H. ergaster lineage.

Homo sapiens

Species such as __ evolved tool use and controlled fire, indicative of advanced cognitive abilities.

Homo erectus