Biology of Reptiles

Question 1

T/F reptiles are monophyletic

Answer 1

F; does not include birds; includes any ectothermic amniotes

Question 2

T/F endothermy is homologous b/w mammals and birds

Answer 2

F; developed convergently (not inherited from a common ancestor)

Question 3

why can ectotherms inhabit certain harsh habitats that endotherms cannot

Answer 3

lower energy and food needs, consume less food than an endotherm of similar size/mass

Question 4

how do amniotes conserve water?

Answer 4

resorb water from waste and have waterproof skin that prevents water loss

Question 5

how do aquatic vertebrates and amniotes differ in how they deal with ammonia (toxic)

Answer 5

aquatic convert to ammonium (requires lots of water)

amniotes convert to urea (requires less water –> adaptation)

Question 6

Haversian systems

Answer 6

found in mammalian bone, cylinder that forms around a center canal with a capillary and venule

Question 7

cellular vs acellular bone

Answer 7

cellular –> cells remain in bone, therefore bone can be constantly remodelled
acellulalr –> cells involved in resorption and absorption not present in bone

Question 8

general structure of amniotic bones

Answer 8

external = compact/lamellar bone; dense, made of lamellae

internal = spongey/porous bone; light but strong

medullar cavity = center, has blood vessels