Vertebrates Flashcards
Echinoderms
Sea stars and sea cucumber
Tunicates
Sea tulips
Vertebrates
Birds, fish, reptiles
What are the four main characteristics of chordates?
Notochord
Nerual tube
Gill slits
Post-anal tail
What is a swim bladder?
A gas-filled organ that gives the fish its ability to control their buotancy. It helps them stay at their current water depth without having to spend energy in swimming.
What are the characteristics of amphibians?
Metamorphosis
Moist skin
Eggs in water
Ecothermic
Three-chambered heart
What are the characteristics of reptiles?
Ectothermic
Dry skin with scales
Lungs
Amniotic egg
Three-chambered heart
Lungs
What are the key differences between amphibians and reptiles?
Amphibians: lay eggs in water, metamorphosis, moist skin and skin-breathing
Reptiles: eggs on land, “regular” growth, scaly skin and lung-breathing
What is the difference between endothermic and ectothermic?
An ectotherm relies on its external environment to regulate its temperature. Endotherms are able to regulate their body temperature by producing heat from within.
Which animals are endotherms vs ectotherms?
Endotherm: birds and mammals
Ectotherm: fishes and reptiles
What are the characteristics of ray-finnes fishes?
Jaws
Skeleton made of bone
Gill covers
Swim bladder
Closed circulatory system
What are the characteristics of cartilaginous fishes?
Paired fins
Scales
Two-chambered heart
Skeleton made of cartilage
No swimming bladder
What are the characteristics of birds?
Flight ability
Feathers
Skeleton with hollow bones
Breastbone
Have no teeth
Rudimentary tail
What are the characteristics of mammals?
Hair
Mammary glands and milk
Endothermic
Placenta
Diaphragm
Different adaptation of teeth
