Final Written

Question 1

Why do we think Land Plants evolved from Algae.

Answer 1

Land Plants come from charophytes, a group of green algae. Due to several shared characteristics:

Both Have Chlorophyll A and B and cellulose-synthesizing protein.

Both produce flagellated sperm.

Both use sporopollenin.

Question 1

What are the Anatomical and Physiological Characteristics of Fungi?

Answer 1

Anatomical:

Composed of Hyphae to form the mycelium.
Cell Walls made of Chitin.

Physiological:

Heterotrophic and obtain nutrients through external digestion.
Reproduce via spores.
Function as decomposers, mutualists, or parasites.

Question 2

How would you resolve the polytomy of Lophotrochozoa?

Answer 2

Examining shared characteristics:

They include many major groups, two major key traits unify thes groups:

The presence of lophophore and the trochophore. To resolve polytomy, molecular phylogenetic data can clarify the relationship between these two.

Question 3

Describe the process of ecdysis.

Answer 3

Starts off with hormonal control, then the formation of a new cuticle, then it sheds the old exoskeleton and finally hardens the new exoskeleton.

Question 4

Evidence supporting the evolutionary themes of arthropods?

Answer 4

Segmentation and Tagmantation.
Exoskeleton.
Jointed Appendages.
Diversity and Fossil Evidence.

Question 5

Name 5 Synapomorphies of Chordates

Answer 5

1. Notochord, 2. Dorsal Hollow Nerve Cord, 3. Pharyngeal Slits or Clefts, 4. Muscular post-anal tail, 5. Endostyle or Thyroid Gland.

Question 6

Which hypothesis on the origin of teeth do you support?

Answer 6

I support the outside in hypothesis. Dermal Scales in early jawed vertebrates shared structural similarities with teeth, such as enamel and dentin layers. These scales have migrated into the mouth and became specialized for feeding.