Vertebrate Zoology  Spring 2001 - Exam 3

Multiple choice. Select the best answer.

  1. The head can be pulled straight back (in a vertical plane) into the shell in A. Lepidosaurs B. Amphibaenids C. Plesiosaurs D. Cryptodires E. Pleurodires
  2. Some iguanids are unique among lizards, because they are A. Poisonous B. Diurnal C. Nocturnal D. Carnivorous E. Herbivorous
  3. Heliodermatids are unique among lizards, because they are A. Carnivorous B. Poisonous C. Herbivorous D. Nocturnal E. Diurnal
  4. The ventral portion of the shell of a turtle is the A. plastron B. fenestra C. sternum D. carapace E. diaphysis
  5. Of the following reptiles, birds are most closely related to A. mammals B. lizards C. crocodilians D. tuataras E. amphibaenans
  6. The Chelydroidea includes A. Tortoises and sliders B. Snapping turtles C. Soft-shell and mud turtles D. Leatherback and green turtles E. Side-necked turtles
  7. The Testudinoidea includes A. Snapping turtles B. Tortoises and sliders C. Soft-shell and mud turtles D. Side-necked turtles E. Leatherback and green turtles
  8. Lizards and snakes may lose their tails to escape from predators, in a process known as.
  9. Upper and lower temporal openings are characteristic of this group of amniotes A. Anapsids B. Diapsids C. Polyapsids D. Tetrapsids E. Synapsids
  10. Venom glands in snakes are modified A. Taste buds B. Lacrimal glands C. Salivary glands D. Thyroid glands E. Tongue papillae
  11. The highly poisonous African boomslang is an example of a A. Folding-front-fanged snake B. Fixed-front-fanged snake C. Venomless snake D. Rear-fanged snake E. Fangless snake
  12. All of the following are features that contributed to the ability of reptiles to survive on dry land and be more successful than the amphibians EXCEPT A. Ectothermy B. The amniotic egg C. Dry skin covered with scales D. Production of uric acid E. Well-developed lungs
  13. The alula is a group of feathers on the wing that A. Helps decrease the angle of attack of the wing B. Is elevated during fast flapping flight C. Is elevated to reduce turbulence D. Lower air pressure on the upper surface E. Generates the propulsive force of flight.
  14. The structure of fused caudal vertebrae that suppports tail feathers A. Tarsometatarsus B. Ucinate process C. Synsacrum D. Pygostyle E. Furcula
  15. The structure that produces "pigeon's milk' is the A. Gizzard B. Crop C. Caecum D. Proventriculus E. Pyloris
  16. The most common mating system among birds is A. Polygyny B. Polyandry C. Monogamy D. Cooperative breeding E. Parthogenesis

CHARACTERIZE AND DISCUSS ADAPTATIONS, MORPHOLOGY, and DIVERSITY OF ANY 4 of THE FOLLOWING, taking care to note any particulary interesting features in each. (5 points each)

  1. Archaeopteryx
  2. Chelonoidea
  3. Colubridae
  4. Crocodylidae
  5. Elapidae
  6. Ratites
  7. Sphenodontidae
  8. Varanidae

Define and state the significance to vertebrate zoology of any 4 of the following. Where appropriate state what taxon (-a) the term is associated with and give examples as needed. (5 points each)

  1. Concertina movement
  2. Contour feathers
  3. High aspect ratio wings
  4. Jacobsen's organ
  5. pit organ
  6. secondary palate
  7. supracoracoideus

ANSWER any TWO of the FOLLOWING –15 points each; 30 points total

Compare and contrast respiration and circulation in turtles, crocodiles, and birds, taking care to note any particulary interesting features in each.

Discuss reproduction in turtles, alligators, lizards, snakes, and birds, taking care to note any particulary interesting features in each.

Compare and contrast the features of the skulls and limbs of turtles, lizards, boids, colubrids, and birds, particulary as related to feeding and locomotion.