BIO 104 STUDY GUIDE (CHORDATA)

1. You should know the 4 defining Chordate characteristics and understand their function.

2. You should know the distinguishing characteristics of the   3 Chordate Subphylum and the characteristics of Seasquirts and Lancelets.

 3.You should know the characteristics of members of the Superclass Agnatha (the Lampery and Hagfish).

 4. You should know the similarities and differences between the Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes. You should know examples of these groups as well as the difference in ray-finned and lobe-finned fish. You should know be familiar with these fish terms: laterline, operculum, swimbladder, all fins, ampullae of Lorenzini, etc.

 5. You should know the major Amphibian characteristics and why they are considered to be a transitional class. You should also know why they are usually limited to regions where there is an abundance of surface water. Know examples of the various orders of Amphibians ( Caudata, Anura, and Apoda) and their characteristics. Know what a Tetrapod Vertebrate is. Be familiar with the terms Tympanum and Vocal Sacks.

 6. You should know the major Reptilian characteristics and how they have broken the limitations that Amphibians have as far as terrestrial occupation. You should know the characteristics and examples of the three major Reptilian orders ( Squamata, Crocodilia, and Chelonia). Be familiar with the Reptilian terms: amniotic egg, kinetic skull, pit organ, Jacobson’s organ, etc.

 7. You should know the major Avian characteristics. You should know what Archaeopteryx is and what features that it possessed were Reptilian and which were Avian in nature. Know  the difference between endothermic and ectothermic organisms. Be familiar with the Avian terms: feather, pneumatized bones, 4-chambered heart, etc.

 8. Know the major Mammalian characteristics. Know why Monotremes are considered to be the most primitive of Mammals. Know the characteristics of the Marsupials. Know what Placental mammals are. Know examples and characteristics of all Mammalian orders as listedon page 719 ( Table 34.6).   
Know the Primate groups Prosimians, Anthropoids, and the major groups of Homonids including Australiopithicus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, and Homo sapiens.