Lecture 15

Question 1

identify adaptations that allow reptiles to further abandon aquatic environments

Answer 1

amniotic egg (four membranes)

water resistant skin (epidermis keratinized)
- thickened and resistant to dehydration

claws (keratin)
- move around easier, catch prey and dig

enhanced neck mobility

limb articulation (more mobility)

efficient kidneys (metanephric)

efficient respiratory system

Question 2

describe the amniotic egg and its significance

Answer 2

extra embryonic membranes

water resistant shell

amnion (embryo layer)

yolk stalk (embryo 2)

yolk sac

allantois (associated with gut, essential for waste deposit)

gut

chorion (outer layer)

Question 3

indicate why the traditional taxonomic arrangement of vertebrate classes is problematic

Question 4

identify the distinguishing features of birds

Question 5

features that relate birds to reptiles

Answer 5

single middle ear ossicle

single occipital condyle

air spaces in bones

nucleatted red blood cells

possible feathers

aspects of nesting and parental care

muscular gizzard

Question 6

anatomical features of birds that are associated with flight

Answer 6

feathers
- pennaceous (flight feathers)
- plumulaceous (down feathers)

skeleton
- light long bones
- uncinate process (hook on ribs that reduces the amount of movement of the rib cage)
- furcula (fused clavical attached to sternum
- expanded sternum for muscle attachmnt
- long pelvis fused o vertebral column
- fusion of bones in wrists/hand and caudal vertebrae

alula
- reduces air turbulence

Question 7

unique features of the avian respiratory system