Ichthyology Ch. 3 Flashcards

These flashcards cover key concepts of fish skeletons, skin structures, and scales as outlined in the lecture notes.

What are the two major parts of the skull in the skeleton?

Neurocranium and Branchiocranium

What are the four types of scales mentioned in the notes?

Placoid, Cosmoid, Ganoid, Teleostei

What is Osteology?

The study of bones.

What structure surrounds the brain and eyes in fish?

Neurocranium.

How many skull bones do humans have?

28 skull bones.

What features did advanced spiny-rayed fishes have compared to soft-rayed fishes?

Maxilla is excluded from the gape.

What kind of teeth are adapted for feeding on mollusks and crustaceans?

Incisor teeth.

What is the function of the anal fin in fish?

Provides stability in swimming.

What are the main layers of skin in fishes?

Epidermis and Dermis.

What adaptation does the opercular apparatus provide?

It forms the gill covers.

Define caudal complex in the context of fish anatomy.

A complex of vertebral centra, accessories, and fin rays used to propel the fish forward.

What is the role of chromatophores in fish?

They produce color.

Describe the basic function of the pectoral girdle in fish.

Attaches paired fins, with no attachment to the vertebral column.

What types of fins are considered median fins?

Dorsal, anal, and adipose fins.

What is a gonopodium?

An anal fin modified to deliver sperm in livebearers.

What structure is found between the dorsal fin and the caudal fin?

Adipose fin.