Vertebrate Zoology Chapter 7: Origin of Osteichthyes and Radiation of Actinopterygians

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards targeting key concepts and terminology from Chapter 7 of Vertebrate Zoology, focusing on the origin of osteichthyes and the radiation of actinopterygians.

Osteichthyes

Superclass of bony fishes whose skeletons are made of endochondral bone, characterized by the presence of lungs derived from the gut.

Endochondral bone

Bone that replaces cartilage during embryonic development in vertebrates.

Actinopterygii

Class of ray-finned fishes known for having fins supported by bony rays.

Sarcopterygii

Class of lobe-finned fishes characterized by fleshy, lobed pectoral and pelvic fins.

Teleosts

Diverse infraclass of bony fishes comprising more than 20,000 species, known for advanced features like homocercal tails and reduced cheek bones.

Heterocercal tail

Tail structure where the upper lobe is larger than the lower lobe, commonly seen in some primitive fishes.

Homocercal tail

Tail structure where the fin lobes are equal in size and symmetry, commonly seen in teleost fishes.

Pharyngeal jaws

Modified teeth located in the throat region that assist in the processing of food.

Weberian apparatus

A structure in ostariophysian fishes that enhances hearing by connecting the swim bladder to the inner ear.

Ganoid scales

Hard, bony, non-overlapping scales found in some primitive fishes, providing protection.

Diphycercal tail

Tail structure where the vertebral column extends straight back, with equal fin lobes above and below.

Sturgeon

A family of fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, tough external body scutes instead of scales, and known for producing caviar.

Paddlefish

A type of chondrichthyan fish known for its elongated rostrum and filter-feeding habits.

Anandromous

Referring to fish species that migrate upstream to spawn, like salmon and sturgeon.

Catadromous

Referring to fish species that migrate downstream to spawn, such as eels.

Aquaculture

The farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, mollusks, and aquatic plants.

Teleostei

Subclass within the Actinopterygii, consisting largely of modern bony fish.

Lung

Respiratory structure derived from the gut, used for gas exchange in some fish.

Operculum

Bony structure covering the gills in bony fishes.

Fin rays

Bony spines that support the fins in ray-finned fishes.

Fleshy fins

Fins characterized by a central shaft of skeletal bone in lobe-finned fishes.

Ganoid and cycloid scales

Types of fish scales; ganoid scales are rigid and bony, while cycloid scales are thin and more flexible.