Kingdom Animalia: Vertebrate UnitBiology 3

Phylum Chordata 52,600+ species Fishes Amphibians Reptiles Aves Mammals

Chordata CharacteristicsAt least at some stage of its life it

possess a Notochord Notochord: a firm flexible rod of

specialized cells in the dorsal region of the bodyFor vertebrates, only appears during

the embryonic stageNotochord is replaced with a

vertebral column (backbone)

Chordata CharacteristicsHollow nerve cord is called the

spinal cord and brain

Chordata CharacteristicsEucoelomateDeuterostomeBilateral symmetryPharyngeal Pouches: in

vertebrates this develops into the throat (pharynx) region

7 Classes of Living Vertebrates

Fish Characteristics and Classification

3 Classes of Fish: 1. Agnatha

Examples include hagfish (marine) or Lampryes (freshwater)

Jawless Fishes (no teeth or jaws) Skeletons are made of fibers and

cartilage Lack vertebrae and keep their

notochords Possess skin not scales Parasites or scavengers

2 Types of AgnathaA. Lampreys:

Filter feeders as larvae and parasites as adults

Scrap away at skin with tooth structures Sucks up the tissues and body fluids of its

host

2 Types of AgnathaB. Hagfish

No eyes, light detecting sensors Feed on dead and dying fish Use a toothed tongue to scrape a hole into

the fish’s slide

3 Classes of Fish2. Chondrichthyes:

Sharks, Rays, Mantas and skates Skeleton made entirely of cartilage Most are carnivores

3 Classes of Fish3. Osteichthyes (95% of all fish)

Examples include perch, bass catfish, bluegill

Bony fishes, they have jaws and live both in marine and freshwater

Structure and Functions of Fish Operculum: Protects the gills Caudal fin: functions to increase the

swim speed Anal Fin: near the anus, functions in

keeping the fish upright

Structure and Functions of Fish Pelvic Fin: (ventral and anterior)

functions to steer, brake, swim backwards

Pectoral Fin: (ventral and anterior) near operculum, steer, brake and swim backward slowly

Structure and Functions of Fish Swim/Air Bladder: pouch where gases

from blood concentrate to give the fish buoyancy

Integument: (skin with scales) Protection

Structure and Functions of Fish Chromatophores: Pigmented cells

used for camouflage (blending in) and molting

Lateral Line: Cells that sense vibrations and chemicals

Class Amphibian Characteristics and Terms

What is an Amphibian Lives in water as a larva and on land as

an adult Breaths with lungs as an adult Has moist skin that contains mucous

glands Lacks scales and claws

Evolution of Amphibians Vertebrates transition to land

required them to: Breathe air

Develop lungs Protect themselves and their eggs from

drying out Produce watery mucous through the skin

Support against the pull of gravity Evolved to have stronger bones for limbs and

limb girdles

Pelvic Girdle

Lungs

Leg Bones: The legs of a land vertebrate must be strong enough to hold its weight.

Skin: The skin and the lining of the mouth cavity of many adult amphibians are thin and richly supplied with blood vessels. Watery mucus is secreted by glands in the skin.

Amphibian Adaptations

Amphibian Characteristics1. Ectotherms (outside heat) or cold-

blooded Relies upon the environment to control

body temp Dormancy/tempor: reduces the state of

metabolism (body functions slow down) Why would they need this?

Amphibian Characteristics 2 Types of Dormancy:

a) Hibernation: dormancy in winterb) Estivation: dormancy in summer

2. Amphibians can undergo metamorphosis

Aquatic larval stage matures into adult form

Amphibian Characteristics3. Amphibians have a mucous secreting

skin with no scales4. Webbed feet without claws (if they

have feet)5. Gills, mouth, lungs and skin for

respiration6. Heart:

2 chambered heart: Larvae 3 chambered heart: Adult

Eggs lack a shell (laid in water)

Frog Anatomy and Adaptation Possess 3 eyelids.

1 eyelid is transparent and keeps the eyeball moist and protected

Eyes and nostrils located at the top of the head Allows for the frog to see and breath

above and below the water

Frog Anatomy and Adaptation Tympanic Membranes: eardrums are

located behind the eyes (function both air and water)

Eustachian Tubes: located between mouth and ears. Equalize air pressure Aids in balance

Frog Anatomy and Adaptation Mucous Membranes: keep the skin

moist for respiration

Class ReptilesCharacteristics and Terms

What is a Reptile? A reptile is a vertebrate that has dry,

scaly skin, lungs, and terrestrial eggs Allow to live out of water

What is a Reptile? Reproduction on land was now possible

due to the development of the amniotic egg egg with a protective membrane and

porous shell enclosing the developing embryo

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The amnion is a fluid-filled sac that surrounds and cushions the developing embryo.

Amnion

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The chorion regulates the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the surface of the egg and the embryo.

Chorion

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The yolk sac contains the yolk that serves as a nutrient-rich food supply for the embryo.

Yolk sac

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The allantois stores the waste produced by the embryo.

Allantois

Reptile Adaptations to Terrestrial Life Dry, waterproof skin

Prevents the loss of body water in dry environment

Internal Fertilization Terrestrial Eggs Respiration is performed by

internal lungs To stay moist and protected

Reptile Adaptations to Terrestrial LifeExternal structural adaptions:

Toes with claws (running, climbing, movement on land)

Circulation: Reptilian circulation is more complex

than that of amphibians3 and 4 (crocs and alligators)

chambered hearts are used

Characteristics of Reptiles Body Temperature Control

Ectotherms: animals that rely on behavior control body temperature Bask in the sun to warm up Take shade to cool down

Groups of Reptiles Groups of Reptiles

Lizards and snakesRely on speed, agility and camouflage

to catch prey Crocodilians Snakes

Snakes have immovable eyelids and no external ear openings

Snakes kill their prey by either: Constrictions Swallowing their prey whole Venom

Groups of ReptilesTurtles and Tortoises

Turtles live in waterTortoises live on land

Tuatara Lack external ears

Class Aves

How Birds are Classified Physical Characteristics:

Beak Feet Plumage (color variation of feathers)

Behavior and Song DNA sequences

Characteristics of Birds Possess feathers and thin, hollow

bones for flight Most species forelimbs function as wings

used for flight instead of grasping Two hind limbs with clawed toes are

used to support the body

Characteristics of Birds Birds are endotherms (warm-blooded) 4 chambered heart Amniotic egg (incubated in a nest)

Feathers Separate birds from all other living

animals Made of protein Function for flight and insulation Their structure combines maximum

strength with minimum weight.

Feathers Preening: process of a bird cleaning its

feathers with an oil secreted by the preen gland found at the base of the oil.

Molt: Feathers of flight are replaced in late

summer between breeding and migration Also before courtship

How are birds adapted for flight?

Flight Adaptations for flight:

Highly efficient digestive, respiration and circulatory systems

Aerodynamic feathers and wings Strong, lightweight bones Strong chest muscles

Two Methods of Rearing/Raising Young Birds

1. Precocial: Bird lays many eggs and incubates for a long period of time.

Baby birds are active and fairly independent shortly after hatching Ex. Chickens, ducks, and quail

2. Altricial: Birds lay only a few eggs that hatch quickly

Baby birds are hatched blind and helpless Ex. Bluejays, Owls, Pigeons

Ecology of Birds Birds interact with ecosystems and

humans in many different ways: Hummingbirds pollinate flowers Fruit-eating disperse seeds in their

droppings Control insect populations Migration patters Use stars, sun and differences in air

pressure

Class Mammals

Evolution of Mammals Mammalian fossils are characterized by:

Lower jaw with large teeth Limbs Backbone

Mammals are descended from ancient reptiles

Dinosaur extinction opened new habitats and new food sources allowing mammals to thrive

Mammalian Characteristics Mammals are endotherms (warm

blooded) High rate of metabolism generates

body heat Possess hair at some time of their lives Subcutaneous Fat: layer of fat located

beneath the skin to conserve body heat Young feed on breast milk

Mammalian Characteristics Four chambered heart (efficient

distribution of oxygenated blood) Diaphragm

Separates the abdominal and thoracic cavities for respiration

Sweat glands (to cool the body) Keratinized body parts

(skin, horns, claws) for protection

Mammalian Characteristics Lower jawbone with specialized

teeth Incisors, canines, premolars and molars

Mammal Classification1. Monotremes: Oviparous animals

Lay eggs Females lay soft-shelled eggs that incubate

outside the body Duckbill platypus, spiny anteaters

Mammal Characteristics2. Marsupials: Give birth to tiny

immature young Young marsupials complete their

development in an external pouch Feed on their mothers nipples inside her

pouch

Mammal Classification3. Placental Mammals

Named for an internal structure of the placenta Organ formed during pregnancy to supply

oxygen and nutrients to the fetus Also removes waste