Vertebrate Zoology Spring 2002 - Exam 1

Answer any FIVE of the following (10 points each, 50 points total).

1. Define and state the significance to vertebrate zoology of any 3 of the following. Where appropriate state with what taxon (-a) the term is associated.
   1. Deuterostome
   2. Neoteny
   3. Swim bladder
   4. glomerulus
   5. Q10
2. Define regional heterothermy. Use an illustration to demonstrate how it works. What is the adavantage of regional heterothermy for a marine ectothermic vertebrate? Give an example of an organism which uses regional heterothery.
3. Draw a cladogram showing the relationships of the lampreys, sharks, ray-finned fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Why is the Class Reptilia as used in the traditional sense of a "cold blooded" amniote a paraphyletic taxon? Why do cladists object to this usage?
4. What problems do fresh water bony fish face with regard to water and salt balance? How do fresh water bony fish maintain their water and salt balance?
5. Water conducts vibrations and electricity much more readily than air. How have sharks and bony fishes taken advantage of this? What special organs or structures are involved?
6. Nitrogenous waste
   1. What is the most common nitrogenous waste product produced by aquatic vertebrates with gills.
   2. What are the advantages of producing this product
   3. What are the disadvantages.
   4. What is the nitrogenous waste product produced by sharks.
   5. What is (are) the main reason(s) they produce this product?

Answer any FIVE of the following (10 points each, 50 points total).

7. List 5 characteristics of the Phylum Chordata and discuss the significance of each.
8. List 5 characteristics of the Subphylum Craniata (hagfish and the vertebrates) and discuss the significance of each.
9. Characterize the Myxinoidea (hagfishes). What is the diet and feeding method of hagfish? How do hagfish avoid predation? Of what economic importance are hagfishes.
10. Define viviparity, ovoviviparity, and viviparity and give examples of each. What is unusual about reproduction in sharks versus other fishes. Discuss the three different adaptations that have evolved for viviparity in sharks.
11. Compare and contrast galeomorphs and batoids in morphology, locomotion, respiration, and diet.
12. Characterize, discuss the taxonomic relationships, and discuss adaptations of any 3 of the following.
    6. Holocephalia
    7. Petromyzontiformes
    8. Squalomorpha
    9. Urochordata
    10. Cephalochordata

EXTRA CREDIT (10 points)

13. Discuss Mallatt's hypothesis for the evolution of vertebrate gills and jaws