Deuterostomes – Invertebrate Chordates and Fish

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the classification, characteristics, and evolutionary significance of deuterostomes, particularly focusing on invertebrate chordates and different groups of fish.

What are the three main groups of chordates?

Invertebrates, craniates, and vertebrates.

What is the significance of the notochord in chordates?

It serves as a common ancestor feature and a support structure.

What are the two subphyla of invertebrate chordates?

Cephalochordata and Urochordata.

How do Tunicates feed?

They use an incurrent siphon to filter feed.

Which subphylum contains vertebrates?

Subphylum Vertebrata.

What are examples of jawless vertebrates?

Hagfish and lampreys.

What distinguishes Gnathostomes from other vertebrates?

The presence of jaws.

What are the two major groups of bony fish?

Actinopterygii (ray-finned fish) and Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish).

What are the key evolutionary developments in the transition from fish to land vertebrates?

Lungs or lung derivatives, limbs, and amniotic eggs.

What are placoderms?

An extinct class of armored prehistoric fish.

What adaptations do sharks (Chondrichthyes) have?

Cartilaginous skeletons, gills, and various fin types.

What is the function of the lateral line system in fish?

It helps in detecting vibrations and pressure changes in the water.

What type of reproductive strategies are found in osteichthyes?

Oviparous, ovoviviparous, and viviparous.

Give an example of a contrasting habitat for cephalochordates and urochordates.

Cephalochordates are typically found in shallow marine environments, while urochordates can be solitary or colonial in both benthic and planktonic forms.

What defines a craniate?

An animal with a skull that encases the brain.