BIOL 4350K / 6350K Final Exam Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and topics from the lecture notes for BIOL 4350K / 6350K Final Exam, focusing on vertebrate anatomy, nervous systems, sensory adaptations, and evolutionary principles.

What is the role of the vagus nerve in the PNS?

The vagus nerve is significant for homeostasis and has associations with other cranial nerves.

What are the main components of the nervous system?

Neurons, neuroglia, effectors, and receptors.

What distinguishes motor nerves from sensory nerves?

Motor nerves are efferent and carry signals away from the CNS, while sensory nerves are afferent and carry signals to the CNS.

What are the main divisions of the brain?

Forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

What are mechanoreceptors?

Receptors that respond to mechanical pressure or distortion.

How does the structure of eyes differ between fishes and tetrapods?

Fishes have round lenses that can be moved in and out, while amphibians and amniotes have different methods for focusing.

What is the significance of nasal turbinate bones in mammals?

They help warm and moisten the air as it enters the nasal cavity for better olfaction.

What are chemoreceptors responsible for?

They are responsible for the senses of smell and taste.

What is the role of the cochlea in hearing?

The cochlea, or lagena, is specialized for detecting sound in the vestibular apparatus.

What is electroreception?

The ability to detect electric fields, commonly found in many fish species.

What is the general principle of the morphology triangle in vertebrate anatomy?

It encompasses the relationship between structure, function, and environment.

Define mosaic evolution in vertebrates.

Different body parts evolve at different rates due to varying selective pressures.

What is punctuated equilibrium in evolutionary theory?

A theory suggesting that there are long periods of little change interrupted by short bursts of significant change.

What are the two main types of sensory systems?

General senses and special senses.

How does vision differ in aquatic vs. terrestrial vertebrates?

Aquatic vertebrates often have round lenses while terrestrial vertebrates may have lenses that change shape to assist in focusing.

What is the relationship between anatomy and ecological analysis in vertebrates?

It examines how anatomical features enable animals to adapt to their environments.

What does the term 'vertical integration' refer to in anatomy?

It refers to the relationship between organisms' structural adaptions and their functional applications.

How do amphibian and reptile nasal cavities differ?

Amphibians have internal nares while reptiles possess more complex nasal turbinates for better olfaction.

What type of sensory detection is carried out by the ampullae of Lorenzini?

Electroreception in sharks to detect prey.

What is the significance of the sympathetic chain ganglia in the autonomic nervous system?

They play a role in the sympathetic response during stress and emergencies.

How does the developmental path of vertebrate brains differ between fishes and tetrapods?

Tetrapods exhibit more specialization in brain regions due to different sensory and lifestyle demands.

What is the primary function of the lateral line system?

Detecting water currents for spatial awareness in aquatic organisms.

What do the semicircular canals detect?

Rotation and orientation of the head.

Explain how the tympanum contributes to hearing.

It acts as a membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves, assisting in sound conduction.

What distinguishes mammals' taste functions from other taxa?

Taste is mostly restricted to the tongue in mammals, while it is more widespread in other taxa.

What types of receptors are involved in detecting electromagnetic radiation for vision?

Photoreceptors in the eyes, including rods and cones.

What are the roles of the cerebrum and cerebellum in the brain?

The cerebrum is involved in higher brain functions including reasoning, while the cerebellum coordinates motor control and balance.

What is the primary role of the parasympathetic nervous system?

To maintain homeostasis and support 'rest and digest' responses.

What anatomical feature is unique to most birds and sea turtles regarding orientation?

Their potential ability to detect Earth’s magnetic field for navigation.

Describe the significance of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.

It plays a critical role in voice production and is significant in the evolution of vertebrate neck structures.

What is the significance of the forebrain in vertebrate anatomy?

It is involved in complex behaviors and processing of sensory information.

Name one key adaptative function of the cerebellum.

It helps coordinate voluntary movements and balance.

What is the main function of sympathetic responses?

To prepare the body for 'fight or flight' situations.

What is the basic structure of the PNS?

It includes cranial and spinal nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of the body.

How does the anatomy of the jawbones in sauropsids relate to auditory structures?

Mammalian middle ear bones are derived from jaw bones of sauropsids, indicating evolutionary adaptations.

Describe the function of the median eye in some vertebrates.

It is involved in detecting light and regulating circadian rhythms.

What did the evolution of the nasal turbinate represent in mammals?

An adaptation that enhances olfactory capabilities.

What distinguishes gradualism from punctuated equilibrium?

Gradualism is slow and steady change, while punctuated equilibrium involves rapid changes interspersed with periods of stability.

What is the role of neuroglia in the nervous system?

They support, protect, and maintain homeostasis for neurons.

How do jawless fish differ from jawed vertebrates in their anatomy?

Jawless fish have a simpler structure and lack the complex jaw and dental structures found in jawed vertebrates.

What ecological factors influence vertebrate anatomical adaptations?

Environmental challenges, predation, resource availability, and competition.

How is the eye structure in amniotes adapted to terrestrial living?

The eye lens is flexible and can change shape for focusing, suitable for varying distances.

Name a significant difference in cranial nerve arrangement between vertebrate taxa.

Different taxa show variations in cranial nerve pairings and their evolutionary significance.

What is the basic component of a reflex arc?

It consists of a sensory neuron, an interneuron, and a motor neuron.

How do amphibians differ from reptiles in their respiratory adaptation?

Amphibians use both lungs and skin for respiration, while reptiles rely on lungs.

What anatomical adaptations allow some fish to detect infrared radiation?

Specialized receptors enable the detection of long-wavelength radiation emitted by warm objects.

What is the significance of the forebrain versus the hindbrain structure in vertebrates?

The forebrain is involved in sensory processing and behavior, while the hindbrain controls basic life functions.

What significance do the pharyngeal arches have in cranial nerve function?

They give rise to various cranial nerves and their associated structures throughout evolution.

Explain the term 'descriptive anatomy' in comparative vertebrate anatomy.

Descriptive anatomy concerns itself with the detailed study of the structure and form of organisms.

What is the role of the vestibular apparatus in vertebrates?

It is essential for balance and spatial orientation.

Identify one major evolutionary adaptation regarding vertebrate sensory systems.

Cones in the retina enable color vision in brighter light environments.

How do mammals and tetrapod reptiles differ in terms of smell?

Mammals have a more complex olfactory system compared to reptilian species, which rely more on simpler structures.

What is the role of the cranial skeleton in comparative vertebrate anatomy?

It supports and protects the brain and facilitates movement by housing important sensory systems.

Define the term 'functional analysis' in the context of vertebrate anatomy.

It examines how anatomical structures fulfill specific functions, often influenced by evolutionary pressures.

What type of balance system do terrestrial vertebrates possess?

They utilize the vestibular system for balance, which is integrated with auditory stimuli.

What evolutionary concept explains the shared plan but differing functions across vertebrate species?

Diversity of type/unity of pattern indicates convergence and divergence in evolution.

What is the significance of comparative anatomy in understanding vertebrate evolution?

It provides insights into how structure relates to function and environmental adaptation over time.

How are action potentials generated in sensory neurons?

Through transduction of stimuli into electrical signals via changes in membrane potential.

What evolutionary evidence suggests the relationship between jaw structures and middle ear bones?

The embryonic development of these structures shows a homology pointing to shared ancestry.

What is the basic difference between somatic and visceral nervous systems?

Somatic systems control voluntary movements, while visceral systems control involuntary organ functions.