L2 Biology Vertebrate Exam: Study Guide

L2 Biology Vertebrate Exam: Study Guide

Introduction to Chordates, Fishes, and Amphibians

You should be able to:

·  Describe the four characteristics of chordates

·  Explain the four major vocabulary words that describe anatomy of animals

·  Compare and contrast endotherms and ectotherms

·  Describe the benefits and limitations of a 2-chambered heart and a single-loop circulatory system (like those found in fishes) compared to a 3- or 4-chambered heart and a double-loop circulatory system (like those found in birds)

·  Explain the reproductive processes of a typical (oviparous) fish

·  Identify the organ that sense changes in pressure in the water

·  Explain how fish control their buoyancy

·  Contrast Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes fish

·  Describe how amphibians still rely on water

·  Describe the major changes in the metamorphosis of amphibians from water creatures to land creatures

Reptiles and Birds

You should be able to:

·  Describe adaptations reptiles have to allow them to survive without water around

·  Explain how a 3- or 4-chambered heart benefits a land creature

·  Describe how reptiles sense odors

·  Explain how having no legs is a benefit to snakes

·  Describe a major advantage and disadvantage of being endothermic

·  List major adaptations birds have that allow them to fly

·  Explain adaptations birds may have that benefit how they eat (shape of beaks, wings, vision, etc.)

Mammals

You should be able to:

·  Describe adaptations of mammals that show they are the most highly evolved group

·  Explain how the number of offspring and amount of care given to the offspring are related to the survival of the animals as a species

·  List and explain some adaptations mammals have based on how they obtain food, especially teeth, jaws, feed, and speed of movement

·  Describe what is unique about, and give examples of marsupials and monotremes