Biology (and other Life Sciences)

Posted: December 10th, 2013

Required Text Book:Vertebrates – Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution, Sixth Edition Kenneth V. Kardong, Ph.D. Carr, McGraw-Hill, New York, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-07-352423-8

BIO21 Assignment 2 (Chapters 3 & 4)

Chapter 3

1. In a paragraph, discuss the two major innovations in body design that have made vertebrates successful as a subphylum at surviving on Earth. (8 points total)

2. Complete the following table comparing the two groups of living Agnathans (Myxinoidea and Petromyzontida). Include the following:
a. Common name
b. Food source
c. Feeding mechanism
d. Development characteristics
e. Balance mechanism
f. Notochord features
Characteristic Myxinoidea Petromyzontida
Common name
Food source
Feeding mechanism
Development characteristics
Balance mechanism
Notochord features
(12 points total)

3. The director of an aquarium has written the following descriptions for various fish on display. Based on the descriptions, identify the fish in the space provided.
a.

This Chondrichthyan is an Elasmobranch. It is a bottom dweller with large pectoral fins and a jagged tail. This fish preys on mollusks and crustaceans. Name: ____________________________

b.

This large Chondrichthyan is also an Elasmobranch. Its’ rows of serrated teeth make it a fierce predator. Name: ____________________________

c.

This Actinopterygiian is also classified as a Teleost. It is a Percomorph where the male of the species gives birth to live young. Name: ____________________________

Please continue on next page…
d.

This Sarcopterygiian is also an Actinstian. Its’ lobed-fins help it to hold its’ position in the water.
Name: _______________________________

(4 points total)

4. For the three (3) groups (Urodela, Salientia, and Gymnophiona) of modern amphibians (Lissamphibia), complete the following table of characteristics.
Characteristic Urodela Salientia Gymnophiona
Scales Present? (Yes or No)
Skin respiration? (Yes or No)
Internal or External Fertilization
Limbs present? Yes or No. If yes, describe them.
Two examples of vertebrates in this group
(15 points total)

5. A student went to the zoo to observe reptilians. During his visit to the zoo, he observed five testudines; of which three were Pleurodita and two were Cryptodira. In common terms, what did the student see? (3 points total)

6. In a paragraph, discuss the anatomical relationship between birds and dinosaurs. (6 points total)

7. a. List the two defining characteristics of placental mammals. (2 points)
b. Complete the following table on the three (3) groups of living mammals. (9 points)
Living Mammal Monotremes Marsupials Eutherians
World habitat (continent)
Primary location for fetal development
2 Examples
(11 points total)

8. Select five of the Eutherian orders and complete the table provided.
Eutherian order – Scientific name Three examples in the order

(10 points)

Chapter 4

9. Given the following vertebrates: wombat
shrew
rat
kudu
a. Which would have the greatest number of predators? Provide an explanation for your choice.
b. Which would have the easiest time surviving a drought? Provide an explanation for your choice.
c. Which is most affected by gravity? Provide an explanation for your choice.
d. Which would lose heat at the slowest rate? Provide an explanation for your choice.
Note: An answer may be used more than once, or not at all.
(8 points total)

10. a. List the four forces that affect a bird in flight. (4 points)
b. Which of the forces acting on a bird in flight would be most affected in each of the following cases? Provide an explanation for your choice(s).
a. The bird is flying through a hurricane. (1 point)
b. The bird has eaten a large meal. (1 point)
c. The bird has a damaged wing. (1 point)
d. The bird is carrying one of its young. (1 point)
(8 points total)

11. a. Which tissue response to mechanical stress would be seen in a monkey orbiting the earth for 10
days? Provide an explanation for your answer. (3 points)
b. Which tissue response to mechanical stress would be seen in a dog constantly digging in the
dirt? Provide an explanation for your answer. (3 points)
(6 points total)

12. a. Which of the following human bones can withstand the most compressive force: a rib, a femur,
a radius or a clavicle? Provide an explanation for your answer. (2 points)
b. Which of the following human bones can withstand the most stress in a transverse direction: a rib, a femur, a radius, or a clavicle? Provide an explanation for your answer. (2 points)
(4 points total)

13. A shark that has been swimming normally suddenly starts to sink and cannot maintain its
buoyancy. What might be causing this to occur?
(5 points total)