BIOL 101 – World of Animals Exam 3 Terms & Taxa

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and taxa relevant for the BIOL 101 exam.

myoglobin

A protein in muscle tissues that binds oxygen.

pineal organ

An endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin, regulating sleep patterns.

lateral line system

A sensory system in aquatic animals that detects movements and vibrations in the water.

claspers

Modified pelvic fins in male cartilaginous fish used for reproduction.

operculum

A bony flap that covers and protects the gills of fish.

exaptation

A trait that evolved for one function but was co-opted for a different purpose.

buccal pump

A method of respiration where the mouth is used to move water over the gills.

plastron

The ventral (bottom) shell of a turtle.

carapace

The dorsal (top) shell of a turtle.

hemipenes

Paired reproductive organs found in male reptiles and some other taxa.

amniotic egg

A type of egg that has a protective membrane and fluid-filled sac, allowing for reproduction on land.

kinetic skull

A skull structure that allows movement between the bones, enhancing feeding options.

secondary bony palate

A bony structure in some vertebrates that separates the nasal cavity from the mouth.

furcula

The wishbone; a forked structure formed by the fusion of the two collarbones in birds.

Bilateria

A clade of animals that exhibit bilateral symmetry, including most animal phyla.

Deuterostomia

A superphylum of animals characterized by the development of the anus from the blastopore.

Chordata

A phylum that includes animals with a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits.

Cephalochordata

A subphylum of small, fish-like invertebrates known as lancelets.

Urochordata

A subphylum of marine invertebrates that includes sea squirts and salps.

Vertebrata

A subphylum of Chordata that includes animals with a backbone.

Cyclostomata

A clade of jawless fish that includes lampreys and hagfish.

Gnathostomata

A clade that includes all jawed vertebrates.

Chondrichthyes

A class of cartilaginous fish including sharks and rays.

Osteichthyes

A class of bony fish.

Actinopterygii

A class of ray-finned fish.

Sarcopterygii

A class of lobe-finned fish.

Tiktaalik roseae

A transitional fossil species between fish and early amphibians.

Amniota

A clade of land vertebrates that lay amniotic eggs.

Mammalia

A class of endothermic animals with hair or fur and mammary glands.

Reptilia

A class of cold-blooded, scaly vertebrates that includes snakes, lizards, and turtles.

Testudines

An order of reptiles that includes turtles and tortoises.

Lepidosauria

A clade of reptiles that includes lizards and snakes.

Sphenodon

A genus that includes the tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand.

Squamata

The largest order of reptiles that includes snakes and lizards.

Archosauria

A clade that includes birds and crocodilians.

Crocodylia

An order of reptiles that includes crocodiles and alligators.

Aves

A class of warm-blooded, feathered vertebrates known as birds.