Vertebrate Zoology Spring 2002 - Exam 2

Answer any EIGHT of the following (10 points each, 80 points total).

  1. Characterize, discuss the taxonomic relationships, and discuss adaptations of any 3 of the following.
    1. Acipenseriformes
    2. Holosteans
    3. Latemeria
    4. Protopterus
  2. Define and state the significance to vertebrate zoology of any 3 of the following. Where appropriate state what bony fish taxon (-a) the term is associated with.
    1. Ganoid scales
    2. Heterocercal caudal fin
    3. Swimbladder
    4. Weberian ossicles
  3. List three most important advantages and three most important disadvantages to living on land rather than water. Briefly discuss why each is significant.
  4. Describe the three most unusual methods employed by frogs to ensure reproductive success.
  5. Characterize, discuss the taxonomic relationships, and discuss adaptations of any 3 of the following.
    1. Bolitoglossine plethodontid salamanders
    2. Chelonoidea
    3. Gymnophiona
    4. Rheomys leukops
  6. Define and state the significance to vertebrate zoology of any 3 of the following. Where appropriate state what taxon (-a) the term is associated with.
    1. Amniotic egg
    2. Aposematic coloration
    3. Paratoid gland
    4. Paedomorphosis
  7. Respiration
    1. How do frogs inhale?
    2. What is different about the anatomy of frogs relative to most other vertebrates that has led to this adaptation?
    3. How do turtles inhale?
    4. What is different about the anatomy of turtles relative to most other vertebrates that has led to this adaptation?
  8. Discuss mating and reproduction in a typical terrestrial salamander.
  9. Describe and discuss heart structure and function in turtles. Why do turtles have these adaptations?
  10. Discuss social and reproductive behavior in turtles, especially noting special adaptations in sea turtles.

DESCRIBE, EXPLAIN, DISCUSS, and ILLUSTRATE (if appropriate) any FOUR of the following. If appropriate include a discussion of how the features function for different locomotor, feeding, and/or other life history strategies.(5 points each, 20 points total).

  1. Strucural adaptations of deep sea bony fish.
  2. Strucural and behavioral adaptations of Midwater (mesopelagic) fish
  3. Jaw mechanics in advanced teleosts
  4. Aspect ratio and shape of the caudal fin in open-ocean predators
  5. Paired fins in coral reef fishes and other advanced teleosts
  6. Aspect ratio and shape of the caudal fin in ambush hunters
  7. The major changes in the skeleton that took place in the transition from aquatic fish to terrestrial tetrapod

EXTRA CREDIT (10 points)

  1. Discuss and evaluate the most important possible causes for the dramatic world-wide declines in amphibian populations