Lecture 19: Vertebrates

Flashcards covering key concepts related to vertebrates, their evolution, and adaptations.

All chordates share __ characteristics: a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a muscular post-anal tail.

4

The key evolutionary adaptation that allowed tetrapods to colonize land is __, which evolved from lobed fins.

limbs with digits

The __ egg protects the embryo and allows reproduction in terrestrial environments.

amniotic

Vertebrates with jaws are referred to as __.

gnathostomes

The first vertebrates were primarily __.

jawless

Mammals are distinguished by having __ and producing milk.

fur

The three types of mammals are monotremes, marsupials, and __.

eutherians

In vertebrate evolution, limbs capable of moving on land first appeared in __.

tetrapods

The vertebrate class that includes sharks and rays is called __.

Chondrichthyes

The feature that allows birds to fly is their __.

lightweight skeleton and wings

Hagfishes and lampreys are classified as __ vertebrates.

jawless

An example of a derived characteristic of primates is __.

forward-facing eyes for depth perception

Humans and Chimpanzees share approximately __% of their DNA.

99

Amniotes are tetrapods that have __ adapted for terrestrial life.

eggs

The __ system in fish allows them to detect vibrations in water.

lateral line

The __ is the fleshy part of the mammalian ear that detects sound.

pinna

What are the four characteristics that all chordates share?

A notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and a muscular post-anal tail.

What key evolutionary adaptation allowed tetrapods to colonize land?

Limbs with digits.

What type of egg protects the embryo and allows reproduction in terrestrial environments?

Amniotic egg.

What are vertebrates with jaws referred to as?

Gnathostomes.

What was the primary characteristic of the first vertebrates?

They were jawless.

What distinguishes mammals from other vertebrates?

Having fur and producing milk.

What are the three types of mammals?

Monotremes, marsupials, and eutherians.

In which group of vertebrates did limbs capable of moving on land first appear?

Tetrapods.

What is the name of the vertebrate class that includes sharks and rays?

Chondrichthyes.

What features allow birds to fly?

A lightweight skeleton and wings.

What classification of vertebrates do hagfishes and lampreys belong to?

Jawless vertebrates.

What is a derived characteristic of primates?

Forward-facing eyes for depth perception.

Approximately what percentage of DNA do humans and chimpanzees share?

99%.

What is the adaptation of amniotes for terrestrial life?

Eggs.

What system in fish allows them to detect vibrations in water?

Lateral line.

What part of the mammalian ear detects sound?

Pinna.