Basic concepts of Herpetology Flashcards

1
Q

What is ectothermic?

A

Use sunlight energy (bask in the sun) or absorb energy from laying on warm surfaces. Must spend time basking before they can become active.

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2
Q

What is herpetofauna?

A

(Term for reptiles and amphibians) expend much less energy than mammals and birds Can go for long periods without eating (thus saving energy)

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3
Q

How do amphibians reproduce?

A

Reproduced in water through external fertilisation.

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4
Q

Why do amphibians need water?

A

They need water to keep skin moist and aquatic larval amphibians alive.

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5
Q

What are the order of amphibians in the class amphibia?

A

Anura. Caudata. Gymnophiona.

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6
Q

What are anura?

A

Frogs and Toads (Greek: “without a tail”)

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7
Q

What are caudata?

A

Salamanders and Newts ( Latin: “with a tail”).

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8
Q

What are gymnophiona?

A

Gymnophiona: (Greek: “naked snake”) Caecilians (least studied and least known).

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9
Q

What does amphibia mean?

A

Double life.

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10
Q

Where do adult amphibians tend to live?

A

They tend to live on land but they lay their eggs in the water.

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11
Q

Do amphibians eggs have shells?

A

No. They are shell less. Big difference between amphibians and reptiles.

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12
Q

What is metamorphosis?

A

The process by which tadpoles change into adults.

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13
Q

What do amphibians mainly eat?

A

Insects.

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14
Q

Describe the amphibians skin?

A

Skin is moist, naked, permeable, and used extensively for breathing.

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15
Q

Do all amphibians have lungs, if not how do they breathe?

A

Some amphibians lack lungs and breathe almost completely through their skin. They also absorb water through their skin.

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16
Q

What are the 3 basic groups of salamanders?

A

Aquatic salamanders. Semi-aquatic salamanders. Terrestrial salamanders.

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17
Q

Do salamanders hibernate?

A

Salamanders in cool climates may hibernate in the mud of pond bottoms or on land deep in the soil….metabolism slows considerably.

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18
Q

Are salamanders predators?

A

Larval and adult salamanders are predators and eat small invertebrates like worms and insects.

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19
Q

What is a newt?

A

A newt is a salamander but not all aquatic salamanders are considered to be newts.

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20
Q

What is the difference between frogs and newts?

A

Newts are very similarly shaped to frogs but have a tail.

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21
Q

Can newts and salamanders regenerate missing body parts?

A

Yes.

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22
Q

What is the difference between how frogs and newts/salamanders lay their eggs?

A

Many salamanders and newts will lay/attach their eggs to plants as shown here versus frogs which generally lay free floating egg masses.

23
Q

What is fossorial?

A

Underground tunnel systems hard head and pointed snout allows for efficient burrowing .

24
Q

Does each species of frog and toad have a unique call?

A

Each species has a unique call that allows them to recognize each other and the nature of the calls is often mediated by the environment.

25
How do they lay the eggs and how long before they hatch?
Eggs are laid in masses (globular or long strings). Eggs hatch within a few days to a few weeks with temperature driving egg development.
26
Do tadpoles grow front or hind legs first?
Hind.
27
What do tadpoles eat?
Tadpoles are mostly vegetarian, but in some cases will eat meat or even cannibalize other tadpoles. These carnivorous individuals grow faster and develop larger mouths with teeth.
28
How long is the time between hatching and metamorphosis?
The time between hatching and metamorphosis is typically 2 to 4 months but in the tailed frog it can last 4 years.
29
What is the process of metamorphosis?
Gills are absorbed and lungs develop. Tail is absorbed and eyelids develop. A gaping mouth takes the place of the horny beak of the vegetarian tadpoles. The shift in diet (from mainly herbivorous to more carnivorous) causes the digestive system to also change. Frogs eat insects and other invertebrates, but large bullfrogs may eat small vertebrates.
30
Amphibians and reptiles are often grouped together. Why? (What is the major characteristic that they share?)
ectothermic - unable to produce own body heat move in and out of heat sources
31
The word “amphibian” comes from the word “amphibia” which means double-life. Why do we say amphibians lead a double life?
metamorphosis - two body forms during life, water young - land adult
32
Define ectothermic.
do not have metabolic control of body temperature must move in and out of heat sources
33
The young of most amphibians breathe with \_\_\_\_\_, the adults of most amphibians breathe with \_\_\_\_\_\_.
gills, lungs
34
Define neoteny.
retention of larval characteristics into adulthood
35
If a child asks you the difference between frogs and toads, what would you say is generally true?
frogs - moist skin, lay eggs in clusters, webbed hind feet toads - dryer skin, broader - flatter body, don't jump as well
36
Do amphibians have teeth?
Some do
37
Describe two ways that coloration helps an amphibian to survive.
camouflage, ward off predators, mimic poisonness creatures
38
Reptiles thermoregulate; what does this mean?
use behavior to regulate their body temperature
39
Name two ways reptiles have young and define each.
ov - lay eggs outside the body ovo - lay eggs inside the body
40
List three characteristics of reptiles
lungs, scales, eggs, ectothermic, internal fertilization, direct development
41
Name the five reptile orders: Type of animals in the order:
Rhynchocephalia - tuatara Crocodylia - crocodilians Chelonia - turtles/tortiso Squamato - snakes/lizards Amphisbaena - worm lizard
42
The upper part of the turtle shell is called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_. The lower part is called the \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_. Epidermal scales on the turtle’s shell are called \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
carapace plastaron scutes
43
Do turtles have teeth?
No - beaks
44
Do turtles bear live young?
No - eggs
45
Do turtles provide maternal care? Explain.
No - bury eggs and leave
46
Most lizards have eyelids which \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.
move to protect
47
Why do some lizards lose their tails? What is this called?
autotomy - defense mechanism against predators
48
Define the Vomeronasal organ (what is it, and where is it located?)
located on the roof of the mouth used for smelling and tasting
49
Some lizards are parthenogenetic; what does this mean?
fertilize without the male (Komodo Dragon)
50
What covers a snake’s eye? Explain.
brille - functions like a self-repairing contact lens
51
What designs do crocodilians have for aquatic lifestyles?
eyes, ears, nose above water and in line on head tail acts like a rudder ear flaps when dive divided ventricle - special chamber in heart so can cut off blood when diving and resting on the bottom
52
Do crocodilians provide maternal care? Is this true of most reptiles?
yes - guard nest and help guide young to the water
53
Describe two ways to distinguish between an alligator and a crocodile.
Alligator - rounded snout, teeth don't show when mouth closed, colder weather Crocodile - triangular shaped snout, shows tooth on lower jaw when mouth closed