vocab Flashcards
vertebrates
Vertebrates are animals that belong to the subphylum Vertebrata, characterized by the presence of a backbone or spinal column. This group includes a wide range of animals, such as
Mammals (humans, dogs, cats,
Birds
Reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles,
Amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders,
Fish (including sharks, rays, and bony fish)
endothermic
Endothermic refers to organisms that maintain a relatively constant body temperature, independent of the temperature of their environment. This means that they generate heat internally and regulate their body temperature through metabolic processes.
ectothermic
Ectothermic refers to organisms that regulate their body temperature using external sources, such as the sun or a warm rock, rather than generating heat internally. This means that their body temperature is largely dependent on the temperature of their environment.
lateral line
The lateral line is a sensory system found in aquatic animals, including fish, amphibians, and some invertebrates. It’s a complex network of sensory organs that detect vibrations, movements, and changes in water pressure
gills
Gills are specialized respiratory organs found in aquatic animals, including fish, amphibians, and some invertebrates. They are designed to extract oxygen from water and release carbon dioxide.
jawless fishes
Jawless Fishes, also known as Agnathans, are a group of ancient fish-like vertebrates that lack jaws and paired fins. They are thought to have evolved around 500 million years ago and are considered to be one of the most primitive groups of vertebrates
cartilaginous fishes
Cartilaginous Fishes , also known as Chondrichthyes , are a group of fish that have a skeleton made of cartilage rather than bone. They are found in oceans and seas around the world and are characterized by their streamlined bodies, multiple gills, and tooth-like scales.
boney fishes
Bony Fishes , also known as Osteichthyes , are a group of fish that have a skeleton made of bone rather than cartilage. They are the largest group of fish, with over 30,000 known species, and are found in oceans, seas, and freshwater environments around the world.
swim bladder
The swim bladder is a gas-filled organ found in many species of bony fish. It is a vital structure that helps fish maintain their buoyancy and stability in the water.
amphibians
Amphibians are a group of cold-blooded animals that belong to the class Amphibia. They are characterized by their ability to live in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, and they undergo a process called metamorphosis as they develop from eggs to adults.
lungs
Lungs are the primary organs of respiration in humans and many other animals. They are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide through the process of breathing.
tadpole
A tadpole is the larval stage of amphibians, such as frogs and toads. During this stage, they undergo significant transformations as they develop into adult frogs.
metamorphosis
Metamorphosis is a biological process in which an animal undergoes a dramatic and transformative change in its physical form, often involving a change from a juvenile or larval stage to a adult stage.
amniotic
Amniotic refers to the amnion, a membrane that encloses the embryo or fetus in vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The amnion is filled with a fluid called amniotic fluid, which provides a protective and nourishing environment for the developing embryo or fetus.
reptiles
Reptiles are a group of animals that have scales, lay eggs, and breathe air. They are cold-blooded, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the environment around them.
