Vertebraes

Question 1

What do vertebrates have that the other animal groups do not have?

Answer 1

Endoskeleton

Question 2

What is the difference between the bony fish and the cartilaginous fish?

Answer 2

Cartilaginous fish have a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone. Cartilage is lighter and more flexible than bone, which gives these fish a more flexible;

Bony fish have a skeleton made of bone. Their bones are made of calcium phosphate, providing strength and rigidity.

Question 3

Why are amphibians used as indicators of environmental problems like toxins in the environment?

Answer 3

Sensitive to environmental toxins, decrease in pop. means environmental issues

Question 4

How are chemicals, such as atrazine, a problem in the amphibian populations? What might this signal for humans and human activity?

Answer 4

Causes the production of female reproductive organs in males; this causes reduced reproductive success as there are fewer sperm producing animals. Warning sign

Question 5

How are reptiles less reliant on water than amphibians?

Answer 5

Water isn’t needed; lays eggs in sand

Question 6

Do all birds use flight? If not, why might some birds not fly?

Answer 6

large body; lack of suitable environment for flight

Question 7

What kinds of habitats do mammals live in?

Answer 7

Tropics, arctic, aquatic

Question 8

There are 6 characteristics of mammals that are attributed to their evolutionary success. For each characteristic, briefly describe how it improved success.

Answer 8

1. Hair on body: regulates body temp.
2. Generates body heat: homeostasis
3. Release body heat: panting, sweating
4. Parental care: teaches offspring how to survive
5. Mammary glands: early nutrition