Lecture 25 Vocabulary (BIOL211)

Vocabulary terms related to the classification and physiological characteristics of vertebrates.

Chondrichthyans

A group of vertebrates that includes sharks and rays.

Actinopterygians

A group of vertebrates also known as ray-finned fishes.

Lobe-fins

Fishes characterized by fleshy fins, serving as a significant evolutionary step toward land vertebrates.

Amniotic egg

An egg containing several membranes (amnion, chorion, yolk sac, allantois) that protect and support the developing embryo.

Lung ventilation

The mechanism or process of moving air into the lungs for respiration.

Scales

Protective rigid plates growing out of the skin of various vertebrates.

Ectotherm

An organism that relies on external environmental sources to regulate its body temperature.

Endotherm

An organism that generates heat internally to maintain its body temperature.

Thermoregulation

The process by which an organism maintains its body temperature within specific boundaries.

Operculum

A structure that covers and protects the gills in certain fish groups like actinopterygians.

Neck

An anatomical feature mentioned in the context of vertebrate evolution, typically allowing for independent head movement.