vertebrate test study guide

2. Phylum and Subphylum for Vertebrates

• Phylum: Chordata (includes all animals with a notochord, dorsal nerve cord, and pharyngeal slits at some stage of development).

• Subphylum: Vertebrata (all animals with a backbone).

3. Classes of All Vertebrates (Including Fish)

• Class Agnatha – Jawless fish (e.g., lampreys, hagfish).

• Class Chondrichthyes – Cartilaginous fish (e.g., sharks, rays, skates).

• Class Osteichthyes – Bony fish (e.g., tuna, salmon, clownfish).

• Class Amphibia – Amphibians (e.g., frogs, salamanders).

• Class Reptilia – Reptiles (e.g., sea turtles, snakes, crocodiles).

• Class Aves – Birds (e.g., albatross, pelicans, penguins).

• Class Mammalia – Mammals (e.g., whales, dolphins, seals).

4. Three Orders of Marine Mammals & Their Similar Shape

• Order Cetacea (whales, dolphins, porpoises)

• Order Pinnipedia (seals, sea lions, walruses)

• Order Sirenia (manatees, dugongs)

Similar Shape:

All have streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies to reduce water resistance, helping them move efficiently in the ocean.

5. Differences Between These Birds

• Albatross – Large seabird with a huge wingspan; excellent glider.

• Cormorant – Diving bird that catches fish underwater.

• Pelican – Has a large throat pouch to scoop up fish.

• Penguin – Flightless, swims using wing-like flippers.

• Puffin – Small, colorful beak, good diver.

• Arctic Tern – Migrates the longest distance of any bird.

• Roseate Spoonbill – Has a flat, spoon-shaped beak for foraging in shallow waters.

6. Four Types of Marine Reptiles & Their Habitat

1. Sea Turtles – Live in warm oceans, migrate long distances.

2. Marine Iguanas – Found in the Galápagos Islands, dive to eat algae.

3. Sea Snakes – Live in tropical oceans, highly venomous.

4. Saltwater Crocodiles – Found in estuaries and coastal waters, strongest bite force of any animal.

7. Animal Locations, Migration, and Ecosystem Roles

• Sea Turtles – Migrate long distances for nesting, help keep seagrass beds healthy.

• Arctic Tern – Migrates between the Arctic and Antarctic, balancing ecosystems.

• Whales – Some migrate thousands of miles; baleen whales regulate plankton populations.

• Penguins – Live in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly Antarctica, and serve as prey for marine predators.

8. Special Organs for Each Animal & Their Function

• Fish (Sharks & Rays) – Ampullae of Lorenzini (detects electric fields).

• Birds (Seabirds) – Salt Glands (removes excess salt from seawater).

• Whales & Dolphins – Melon (used for echolocation).

• Penguins – Large oxygen-storing muscles (helps hold breath underwater).

9. Diet, Breathing, Habitat, & Reproduction

• Fish – Eat plankton, small fish; breathe with gills.

• Seabirds – Eat fish, squid; breathe with lungs; lay eggs.

• Marine Mammals – Eat fish, krill; breathe with lungs; give live birth.

Parental Care:

• Most fish do not care for their young.

• Birds and mammals raise their young, feeding and protecting them.

10. Senses & Organs Used for Detection

• Fish – Use lateral lines to detect movement in water.

• Sharks & Rays – Use electroreception to detect prey.

• Marine Mammals – Use echolocation with the melon to navigate.

• Seabirds – Have excellent vision to spot fish from above.

11. Homeotherms vs. Poikilotherms & Endotherms

• Homeotherms (Constant Body Temperature): Birds & Mammals

• Poikilotherms (Body Temp Varies): Fish & Reptiles

• Endotherm (Generates Heat Internally): Mammals

Effect on Life:

• Homeotherms & Endotherms can live in cold environments.

• Poikilotherms rely on the sun to regulate body temperature.

12. Adaptations for Diving & Breathing

• Birds (Hollow Bones) – Makes them lighter for flight.

• Sperm Whales (Deep Dives) – Have high myoglobin levels to store oxygen.

• Penguins (Holding Breath) – Slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen while diving.