bio test 2 Flashcards
Define life history in biology
describes the series of events over its lifetime, such as how resources are allocated for growth,
maintenance, and reproduction. Life history traits affect the life table of an organism. A species’ life history is genetically determined and shaped by the environment and natural selection.
Life history includes growth, reproduction, and survival strategies.
What is a blastopore?
The opening that forms during the early development of an embryo
It can develop into the mouth or anus, depending on the organism.
Define mesoderm
the middle germ layer in triploblastic organisms (those with three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm). It forms during embryonic development and gives rise to various structuresWhen the primitive gut forms, the opening that first connects the gut cavity to the outside of the embryo is called the blastopore
It gives rise to muscles, bones, and the circulatory system.
What is multicellularity?
The condition of being composed of multiple cells
Enables specialization of cells for different functions.
What is the archenteron?
The primitive gut formed during gastrulation
It eventually develops into the digestive tract.
Define spiral cleavage
A type of embryonic development where cells divide at angles to one another
Common in protostomes.
What is indeterminate cleavage?
A type of cleavage where the fate of the cells is not determined early
Allows for the potential to form identical twins.
Define bilateral symmetry
A body plan in which the left and right sides are mirror images
Facilitates streamlined movement.
What is a deuterostome?
An animal whose blastopore develops into the anus
Includes echinoderms and chordates.
Define Lophotrochozoa
A clade of animals characterized by a lophophore or trochophore larva
is a Major Clade (Protostomia): A large group of protostome animals.
Key Features:
Lophophore: Ciliated feeding structure.
Trochophore Larva: Planktonic larval stage with cilia.
Includes mollusks and annelids.
What is Arthropoda?
A phylum of invertebrate animals with exoskeletons, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages
Includes insects, arachnids, and crustaceans.
Define vertebral column
The series of vertebrae forming the backbone
Provides structural support and protects the spinal cord.
What are pharyngeal arches?
Structures that form in the embryonic development of vertebrates
They give rise to various structures, including gills and jaws.
Define radial symmetry
A body plan in which body parts are arranged around a central axis
Common in organisms like jellyfish.
What is a cuticle?
A protective layer covering the outer surface of some organisms
Helps prevent desiccation in terrestrial environments.
Define Ecdysozoa
A clade of animals that undergo ecdysis, or molting
Includes arthropods and nematodes.
What is Echinodermata?
A phylum of marine animals characterized by a water vascular system and radial symmetry
Includes starfish and sea urchins.
Define notochord
A flexible rod-like structure that provides support in embryonic development
It is a key characteristic of chordates.
What is a post-anal tail?
An extension of the body past the anus
Present in many chordates during some stage of development.
Define fins with internal support
Fins that contain bony or cartilaginous structures for support
Critical for maneuverability in aquatic environments.
What are contractile proteins?
Proteins that enable muscle contraction and movement
Essential for mobility in animals.
What is a blastula?
An early stage of embryonic development characterized by a hollow ball of cells
Precedes the formation of the gastrula.
Define germ layers
The three primary layers of cells in an embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm
Each layer develops into different tissues and organs.
What is radial cleavage?
A type of cleavage where cells divide symmetrically around the axis
Common in deuterostomes.