Deuterostomes and Chordata Study Notes

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary and concepts related to deuterostomes, chordates, and various biological classifications mentioned in the lecture notes.

Deuterostome

A major lineage of the animal kingdom characterized by the development of the anus from the blastopore, with the mouth forming later in development.

Phylum Echinodermata

A phylum comprised of marine animals such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, and sea urchins, known for their radial symmetry as adults and a water vascular system.

Radial symmetry

Symmetry in which body parts are arranged around a central axis, allowing for multiple lines of symmetry, typical of adult echinoderms.

Bilateral symmetry

A type of symmetry where the body can be divided into two identical halves along one plane, common among many animal phyla including chordates.

Notochord

A flexible, rod-shaped structure that supports the body in embryo development of chordates; it is the first structure to develop.

Dorsal hollow nerve cord

A tube-like structure along the back of chordates that develops into the central nervous system.

Pharyngeal slits

Openings found in the pharynx that, in some chordates, develop into gills; a characteristic feature of the phylum Chordata.

Post-anal tail

A tail that extends beyond the anus; one of the four characteristic features of chordates.

Subphylum Vertebrata

A subphylum of chordates that includes animals with a backbone or spinal column, providing structural support and protection for the nervous system.

Amniotic egg

An egg that contains a protective amnion, allowing for reproduction in terrestrial environments without the need of water.

Class Amphibia

A class that includes the first tetrapods, characterized by their dual life, with both aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults.

Class Reptilia

A class of animals that includes reptiles such as lizards, snakes, and birds, characterized by their scales and ability to lay amniotic eggs.

Class Mammalia

A class of animals distinguished by mammary glands, hair, and the development of the young within the mother's uterus.

Jawless fishes

Early vertebrates such as lampreys and hagfish, which lacked jaws and possessed a notochord.

Swim bladder

A gas-filled organ that helps bony fish maintain buoyancy, allowing them to control their depth in the water.

Tetrapod

Four-limbed vertebrates that evolved from fish and adapted to life on land.

Lobe-finned fish

A group of bony fishes characterized by their fleshy, lobed fins, which are precursors to the limbs of tetrapods.