Z371 Vertebrate Biology
Name the three major tissue layers of the developing embryo, in order from the outside (surface) to the inside of the embryo. Be careful: you must spell each of these correctly.
Endoderm, ectoderm, mesoderm
Use the phylogeny below (Figure 3.5 from the textbook) to answer the following question.
Eugnathostomes
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. Ignore the fact that the tips actually consist of clades in this case; just answer for the number of expanded clades shown in the tree. How many clades are represented on this tree? Note: do not count the tips, which in this case are also clades.
19
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. What node represents the clade Australidelphia? (Enter the number corresponding to the node.)
3
Which of the following is not a clade?
Agnathans
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. What is the least-inclusive clade (MRCA) for the following lineages: Phascolarctidae, Acrobatidae, and Macropodidae? Enter the number for the node that corresponds to the least-inclusive clade.
7
Temporal fenestration is a troubling morphological character for taxonomists! Which of the following is the best explanation for the apparent discrepancies in temporal fenestration among members of the current sauropsid phylogeny?
All extant sauropsids are descended from a diapsid ancestor
Which of the following clades contain only "invertebrate" ("nonvertebrate") taxa? In other words: which of the following deuterostome clades contain no "vertebrate" members? (Select all that apply.)
Ambulacraria, Urochordata, Cephalochordata
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. Which of the following is not a clade?
Ameridelphia
The derived axial musculature of tetrapods are also extremely important for respiration. Specifically, the reliance on the ribs and the costal muscles (those between ribs) to ventilate the lungs is "probably" a synapomorphy of which clade?
Amniota
What is the least inclusive clade that contains the following taxa: a lizard (Lepidosauria), a bird (Aves), and a mouse (Eutheria)?
Amniota
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of (or other evidence for) the clade Archosauria? (Select all that apply.)
Antorbital Fenestra
What is the least inclusive clade that contains birds (Aves) and turtles (Testudinia)?
Archelosauria
Which of the following clades has been recently created (since an arbitrary cutoff of 2015) based on our "evolving" understanding of phylogenetic relationships?
Archelosauria
Feather anatomy provide key insights into the origin of flight. But not all birds with feathers could fly. Which of the following feather types or traits are required for true powered flight? (Select all that apply.)
Asymmetrical primaries, Barbules, Stress-tolerant rachis
The ______ skeleton refers to the bones of the head, neck, and spinal column; the ______ refers to the bones of the limbs. Be careful: you must spell each of these correctly. Note: these terms will be important as we look at the diversity of vertebrate body plans all term long!
Axial and appendicular
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of (or other evidence for) the clade Sauropsida? (Select all that apply.)
Beta Keratin in Skin and Two Temporal Fenestrae
Which specific form of cursorial locomotion is the best example of spinal flexion being used to increase stride length?
Bounding
The diaphragm, a key mammalian synapomorphy, is involved in which of the following behaviors?
Breathing Coughing Defecating Parturition Vomiting
The most common form of locomotion in "fish" (in a paraphyletic sense) are "lateral undulations." In general (e.g. focus on the "anguilliform" variety), this specific form of locomotion involves alternating contractions of the muscles in which of the following regions of the body? (Select all that apply.)
Caudal peduncle and Trunk
Which of the following organisms had a reversal from a bipedal to a quadrupedal mode of locomotion?
Crocodylians (Crocodylia)
Which of the following are examples of structures that develop all or in part from epidermal placodes? (Select all that apply.)
Cells of the lateral line system Ears, nose, and eyes Hair (in mammals) Feathers (in birds)
In the anterior region of an adult chordate, you would expect to find a relatively simple "cerebral vesicle" in which taxa?
Cephalochordata
Name the clade that is "sister" to the Ambulacraria.
Chordata
Once a zygote is formed, the cells begin to divide ( Cleavage ) until they form a hollow ball of cells ( Blastula ). This structure then begins to fold in on itself ( Gastrulation ) to form a pore ( Blastopore ) and three distinct cell layers. Later, the formation of an additional fold ( Neurulation ) results in the neural crest (and ultimately the neural tube).
Cleavage Blastula Gastrulation Blastopore Neurulation
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of the Sarcopterygii? (Select all that apply.)
Cosmoid Scales, Lobe Fins, Two Dorsal Fins
Below is a figure from the textbook depicting the "phylogenetic relationships of the major groups of sarcopterygian fishes and early tetrapods." Which of the following examples below would be considered a stem tetrapod?
Crassigyrinidae
Predict which mode of locomotion this limb would most likely be used for (as the primary mode of locomotion)? Think about the anatomy of the limb and how it would or would not be adapted for each type of locomotion.
Cursorial
You would expect to find lingual cartilage and teeth on the tongue in which of the following taxa? (Select the single best answer.)
Cyclostomes
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of (or other evidence for) the clade Synapsida? (Select all that apply.)
Diaphragm, Hair, Lactation, Single Lower Jaw Bone, Single Temporal Fenestra, Three Middle Ear Bones
Review: which of the following is the sister taxon to the Tetrapoda?
Dipnoi
Below is an adapted version of Table 2.2 from the text. Note: Don't stress about any of the details concerning the different arch elements and their functions in different lineages. Think about the question (after the table). Which of the "General Mechanisms of Morphological Change" is implied by the columns of the table (i.e. the different functions of the same arch element in different clades)?
Diversification of homologous parts between lineages
Below is an adapted version of Table 2.2 from the text; it documents the developmental fate of the different pharyngeal (or gill) "arch elements" (a.k.a. "pouches") in different vertebrate clades. Note: Don't stress about any of the details concerning the different arch elements (pouches) and their functions in different lineages. Think about the question (after the table). Which of the "General Mechanisms of Morphological Change" is implied by the rows of the table (i.e. the different functions among the different pharyngeal arch elements in a single clade)?
Diversification of serially-homologous parts
The basal amniote ankle condition consisted of a simple mesotarsal joint. Based on the anatomy, predict which type of ankle movement this would allow.
Dorsoventral flexion (flexing up and down in the longitudinal plane of the limb)
Most Chondrichthyes increase buoyancy and/or produce lift through (select all that apply):
Dynamic lift generated by water flowing over the pectoral fins. Fatty Liver High concentrations of chemicals in tissues (e.g. urea) that lower their density
Which of the following adaptations would you predict to find in vertebrates using mainly cursorial locomotion? (Select all that apply.)
Elongated bones and/or articulation of the limbs Reduction in distal limb weight (e.g. loss of digits) Spinal flexion
Which of the following is a trait of crown group Mammalia, but is not present in non-mammalian synapsids?
Enclosed middle ear
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of the Osteichthyes? (Select all that apply.)
Endochondral Bone and Lungs (Gas Bladder)
The "bony fishes" are so named because they are the first of the extant "fishes" to possess which feature related to support?
Endochondral bone
For each organism below, predict the degree of lateral flexion of axial muscles based on its anatomy and mode of locomotion. To do so, match the appropriate explanation to each organism. Pacific Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus orientalis): Exclusively axial contractions (lateral direction); no appendicular role Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) : Prominent axial contractions (lateral direction); some appendicular role Montane Shrew (Sorex monticolus) : Minimal axial contractions; appendicular system dominates Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) : Prominent axial contractions (dorsoventral direction); some appendicular role Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus): Prominent axial contractions (dorsoventral direction); some appendicular role Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) : Minimal axial contractions; appendicular system dominates
Exclusively axial contractions (lateral direction); no appendicular role. Prominent axial contractions (lateral direction); some appendicular role. Minimal axial contractions; appendicular system dominates. Prominent axial contractions (dorsoventral direction); some appendicular role. Prominent axial contractions (lateral direction); some appendicular role. Minimal axial contractions; appendicular system dominates.
The amniotic egg is an important innovation of the clade Amniota. Which of the following are possible factors related to the origin of the amniotic egg discussed in the text? (Select all that apply.)
Facilitation of gas exchange Mechanical support on land Increased body size at hatching
Natural (or sexual) selection is required in order for evolution to occur.
False
True or False: the term "chordate" is a synonym for "vertebrate."
False
True or False: vertebrates evolved from the "lancelets" (i.e. the Cephalochordata).
False
Predict which mode of locomotion this limb would most likely be used for (as the primary mode of locomotion)? Think about the anatomy of the limb and how it would or would not be adapted for each type of locomotion.
Fossorial
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of (or other evidence for) the clade Tetrapoda? (Select all that apply.)
Four Limbs w/ Digits
Select true synapomorphies of the phylum Chordata (select all that apply below). Hint: this is not as straightforward as it seems.
Full body plan inversion, A notochord, A dorsal, hollow nerve cord, An endostyle, Segmented myomeres
What is another process (other than natural or sexual selection) that can lead to evolution? Note: select the answer that refers to a process that could lead to evolutionary change entirely on its own, and that would not require any other explanation or other factors to be involved. In other words, pick the single best answer that stands on its own.
Genetic Drift
What is the least inclusive clade that contains a lungfish and a shark, but not lampreys?
Gnathostomata
Match the terms below to the types of evolutionary changes in development that can lead to derived traits.
Heterotopy: A change in the location of a traits expression Heterochrony: A change in the timing of a traits expression Heterometry: A change in the amount of a traits expression
There are two types of drag that pose different problems for animals moving in a fluid: viscous drag and inertial drag. Which of the following are examples of adaptations to minimize the specific problem of inertial drag? (Select all that apply.)
High aspect ratio of caudal fin and Streamlined body plan
Which of the following taxa are lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii)? (Select all that apply.)
Humans (Tetrapoda: Eutheria) A lungfish (Dipnoi) A coelacanth (Actinistia) The extinct species Eusthenopteron The extinct species Dipterus
The Actinopterygii and Sarcopterygii have quite different limb anatomy, hence their colloquial (common usage) names (the ray-finned and lobe-finned fishes respectively). What is the nature of this difference? Specifically, how do the lobe-finned fishes differ from the anatomy of early osteichthyans and the Actinopterygii?
In the Sarcopterygii, the muscles and endochondral skeletal elements (the "bones" - i.e. the whole fin minus the fin rays) extend down the length of the fin itself
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of the Gnathostomata? (Select all that apply.)
Jaws and paired fins
Select an example of a fish whose locomotion would be powered largely by undulations of the anal fin.
Knifefish
Gravity becomes a major problem for terrestrial vertebrates, but this issue is also related to the size of the organism. For each trait below, predict whether that trait would be more likely in a large vertebrate or a small vertebrate. Bones less subject to shearing (longitudinal) forces Small vertebrate Gait with more flexed joints Small vertebrate Increased cross-sectional area of bones (proportional to body size) Large vertebrate Less fragile bones Large vertebrate Upright posture with decreased agility Large vertebrate
Large vertebrate Small vertebrate Large vertebrate Small vertebrate Large vertebrate
Which of the following skull traits are likely associated with increasing jaw muscles in more derived synapsids (e.g. starting around the time of mammaliaforms)?
Loss of the postorbital bar
By using mostly pectoral fins for locomotion, fishes capitalize on the advantage of Maneuverability but suffer a trade-off of reduced Power .
Maneuverability and power
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of (or other evidence for) the clade Archelosauria? (Select all that apply.)
Molecular Evidence (Ultraconserved Elements)
Which of the terms below is used to represent (any) speciation event on a phylogenetic tree? Pick the best possible answer.
Node
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of the Dipnoi? (Select all that apply.) Hint: only the Dipnoi itself - not their ancestral characters. Cosmoid Scales Cranium Endochondral Bone Four Limbs w/ Digits Ganoid Scales Heart w/ Divided Atrium Jaws Lingual Cartilage Lobe Fins Paired Fins Placoid Scales (Dermal Denticles) Tripartite Brain Two Dorsal Fins Lungs (Gas Bladder) Vertebral Elements
None of the above
Why is the clade you chose in the previous answer not a clade? Because it is a...
Paraphyletic group
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. Who is more closely-related to Sugar Gliders (members of the Petauridae): the Phalangers (Phalangeridae) or the Wombats (Vombatidae)?
Phalangeridae
Use the phylogeny below (Figure 3.5 from the textbook) to answer the following question. Which of these taxa would be considered a "stem gnathostome?"
Placoderms
Which of the following is a synapomorphy of the Chondrichthyes? (Select all that apply.)
Placoid Scales (Dermal Denticles)
Which of the following are examples of mineralized tissues in (at least some species of) the Chondrichthyes? (Select the single best answer.)
Placoid scales (dermal denticles) Regions of the cartilaginous endoskeleton Perichondral bone around regions of the endoskeleton Teeth
An "ancestral character" for any given clade is known as a...
Plesiomorphy
Match following feather types to its major function in flight. Some of these are somewhat related, but choose the single best option for each structure based on the explanations provided in the text.
Primaries: Thrust when flying Secondaries: Lift when flying Down: Insulation Tail: Reduce drag (when flying, opposite when landing) Alula: Stability and lift at low speeds
Predict which mode of locomotion this limb would most likely be used for (as the primary mode of locomotion)? Think about the anatomy of the limb and how it would or would not be adapted for each type of locomotion.
Saltatorial
Predict which mode of locomotion this organism would most likely be used for (as the primary mode of locomotion)? Think about the overall anatomy and how it would or would not be adapted for each type of locomotion.
Saltatorial
What is the least inclusive clade that contains the following taxa: a coelacanth (an actinistian) and a salamander (a tetrapod)?
Sarcopterygii
What is the sister clade to the Synapsida?
Sauropsida
Match the following anatomical systems below to their corresponding functions (below). Much of this comes directly from the text, but this section has been expanded to be more comprehensive; you will need to draw on previous coursework, do some further research, or use your good-ole-fashioned common sense! Note: you should also be familiar with the basic components of each system (i.e. the organs involved), where they are located, and (at least superficially) how those organs function. For now, the level of detail in the text is appropriate for the systems discussed.
Skeletomuscular: Support and movement of the body Digestive: Intake, breakdown, and absorption of food/nutrients; the defecation of undigested material. Cardiovascular: The circulation of relevant gases and nutrients to all regions of the body. Respiratory: Gas exchange; uptake oxygen from the environment and release carbon dioxide from the bloodstream. Excretory: Elimination of nitrogenous wastes (waste from cellular metabolism) from the body Reproductive: The formation of gametes; the combination of gamers during fertilization (to form a zygote) Sensory: The detection and processing of stimuli related to survival and/or reproduction.
Drag may be a "bummer," but it's not always the goal to minimize it. Which of the following is an example of when a fish might capitalize on drag to move more effectively? (Select all that apply.)
Slowing down and Steering
In the developing vertebrate embryo, which component of the mesoderm develops into segmented skeletal and muscle structures (those that repeat along the length of the body)?
Somitic mesoderm (somites)
Species "A" and "B" are more "closely related" to each other than they are to Species "C" if...
Species A and B share a common ancestor with each other more recently than either of them do with Species C
A "shared derived character" for any given clade is known as a...
Synapomorphy
What is the least inclusive clade that contains the following taxa: a mouse (Eutheria), an echidna (Prototheria), and an awesome opossum (Metatheria)?
Synapsida
Which of the following synapsids are most closely related to extant mammals (the crown group Mammalia)?
The "cynodonts"
You are SCUBA diving and following a physoclistous fish. As a SCUBA diver, you wear a "buoyancy compensator" which is exactly analogous to the fish's gas bladder. Your incessant hassling of this innocent creature sends it swimming into deeper water. Which of the following will occur at that greater depth? (Select all that apply.)
The gas in both of your "gas bladders" will decrease in volume. You and the fish will both start sinking more quickly You and the fish would need to increase the amount of gas in your "gas bladders" if you wanted to stay neutrally buoyant
The major anatomical difference between physostomous and physoclistous gas bladder is:
The presence of a pneumatic duct in physostomes
Which of the above are necessary for increasing the volume of a physoclistous gas bladder? (Select all that apply.)
The rete mirabile (a "countercurrent" system of capillaries). The gas gland Lactic acid and CO2 released into the blood of the rete mirabile. A net disassociation of O2 from hemoglobin in the rete mirabile due to the Root Effect.
Which of the following is a paraphyletic group within the Tetrapoda? (Select all that apply.)
The term "reptiles"
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. At some point you may have seen a Virginia Opossum (Didelphidae) roaming around your neighborhood at night. (If not, you should, because they're ridiculous in the best way possible.) Which other marsupial is most closely-related to the Virginia Opossum: the Shrew Opossum (Caenolestidae) or the Red Kangaroo (Macropodidae)?
They are equally-related
Below is a phylogeny for the Marsupials from Hedges and Kumar (2009). You don't need to know anything about the animals themselves to answer the following questions. Each node is numbered based on the estimated time of speciation at that node. The lines at right identify select names for the group of organisms spanned by the vertical bars next to each name. Who is more closely-related to the Caenolestidate: the Microbiotheridae or the Notoryctidae?
They are equally-related
The oldest type of mineralized vertebrate tissues (known to date) is:
Tooth-like odontodes in agnathans (e.g. conodonts and ostracoderms)
True or False: The synapsids were the first vertebrate group to radiate widely in terrestrial habitats.
True
Review: which of the following is the sister taxon to the Vertebrata?
Urochordata
The neural crest is "perhaps the most important innovation in the origin of the vertebrate body plan." It is the name for the structure that forms during the process of neurulation, when the neural plate folds into the neural tube (what is ultimately the "dorsal, hollow nerve cord" of chordates). After the neural tube is formed, these cells detach from the epidermis and migrate to other locations. Which clades below have migratory neural crest cells present in all (or at least some) of its taxa? (Select all that apply.)
Urochordata and Vertebrata
Which of the following factors are required for evolution via natural (or sexual) selection? Select all that apply.
Variation in traits in a population Heritability (trait variation is passed on to offspring) Competition among variants in regards to a specific selective pressure Differential reproductive success
What is the least inclusive clade that contains the following taxa: a lungfish, a shark, and a lamprey? Note: this is another way of asking the name for the clade descended from the most recent common ancestor of these species (it is "least-inclusive" because it doesn't contain any other taxa not descended from that branch).
Vertebrata
The adult body form of the Urochordata is quite different than its closest (non-urochordate) chordate relatives. Based on our current understanding of the chordate phylogeny, the anatomy of urochordates is most likely...
a derived trait that evolved secondarily in urochordates.
Compared to its closest nonvertebrate ancestors, the body tissues of most vertebrates are unique in that they...
can incorporate minerals to create unique tissues (e.g. mineralized cartilage) and surfaces (e.g. enamel).
For two fishes of the exact same size, which of the following would evolution predict to have a larger gas bladder (in proportion to its body)?
freshwater fish
An important synapomorphy of the Gnathostomata is the presence of two sets of paired fins: the ____ fins (anterior), and the ____ fins (posterior). Be careful: you must answer this in the correct anatomical order (as in the question) and spell the terms correctly.
pectoral and pelvic
In the clade Vertebrata, this anterior component of the nervous system (from the previous question) is elaborated into a ______ brain and would be surrounded by a hardened structure (either fibrous, cartilaginous, or bony) known as the ______. (Use the terminology from the text exactly.)
tripartite and cranium
