Fin Spines and the Vertebral Column

Question 1

What do fin spines do for the fish?

Answer 1

• increase effective size so it is harder for predators to eat (defence)

Question 2

Where are fin spines frequently found on the fish body? Which fins?

Answer 2

• in centre of body mass (dorsal, anal or pectoral)

Question 3

What are fin spines often associated with?

Answer 3

• poison glands (venomous)

Question 4

What 3 fish have fin spines?

Answer 4

• catfish
• stingrays
• lionfish

Question 5

Are fin spines the same as fin rays? why or why not?

Answer 5

• NO
• rays support the fin

Question 6

What is the vertebral column made up of?

Answer 6

• cartilage or bone

Question 7

What is the use of the vertebral column?

Answer 7

• central axis for muscle attachment
• flexible (allows flexibility)

Question 8

What fish still use a notochord?

Answer 8

• lungfish

Question 9

When looking at a cross-section of the vertebral column, where would you find the neural spine?

Answer 9

• dorsal

Question 10

When looking at a cross-section of the vertebral column, where would you find the neural arch?

Answer 10

• surrounding and protecting the spinal cord

Question 11

When looking at a cross-section of the vertebral column, where would you find the hemal spine?

Answer 11

• ventral

Question 12

When looking at a cross-section of the vertebral column, where would you find the hemal arch?

Answer 12

• surrounding and protecting dorsal aorta

Question 13

When looking at a cross-section of the vertebral column, where would you find the centrum?

Answer 13

• the middle disk