Introduction to Biological Classification and Vertebrates

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on classification and vertebrates, providing essential terms and definitions for exam preparation.

Linnaean system of classification

A hierarchical system using binomial nomenclature (Genus + species) and ranked groups: Kingdom → Phylum → Class → Order → Family → Genus → Species.

biological species concept

A species is a group of interbreeding individuals that are reproductively isolated from others.

phylogenies

Constructed using morphological, molecular (DNA/RNA), developmental, and fossil data.

Chordates

Organisms characterized by a notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, postanal tail, and endostyle/thyroid gland.

ververtebrate classes

Categories including Agnatha (jawless fishes), Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes), Osteichthyes (bony fishes), Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, Mammalia.

Agnathans

Living jawless fishes that lack jaws and paired fins, have cartilaginous skeletons, sucker-like mouths, and eel-like bodies.

hagfish

Marine scavengers known for producing copious slime for defense; important for nutrient recycling and leather industry.

lamprey

Many parasitic as adults, they attach to fish with a toothed sucker mouth, and some are anadromous.

lamprey invasiveness in the Great Lakes

They decimate native fish populations and are controlled via barriers and lampricides.

problems of aquatic life

Density, viscosity, low oxygen availability, and osmoregulation challenges.

fish respiration

Fish breathe by passing water over gills; the gas bladder aids buoyancy, not respiration.

senses adapted for aquatic life

Lateral line (vibration), electroreception, and well-developed vision/smell.

osmoregulation in freshwater fish

Gain water and lose salts, excreting dilute urine.

osmoregulation in saltwater fish

Lose water and gain salts, drinking seawater and excreting salts.

Chondrichthyes

Cartilaginous fishes distinguished from Agnathans by jaws, paired fins, cartilaginous skeleton, and placoid scales.

shark and ray prey location

Using lateral line, smell, vision, and ampullae of Lorenzini (electroreception).

Chondrichthyes reproduction

Includes internal fertilization; oviparous (eggs), ovoviviparous (eggs hatch inside), or viviparous (live birth).

feeding modes in sharks, skates, and rays

Suction feeding, ram feeding, filter feeding, or bottom feeding.