Semester II Final Review (Vertebrates)

What are characteristics of Snakes?

• Loosely jointed jaws that can open wide to swallow their prey whole.

• Ability to fly short distances.

• Warm-blooded nature allowing them to regulate body temperature.

• Presence of fur for insulation.

What are examples of Tuataras and their characteristics?

• A tuatara has a spiny crest down its back & unique reptile teeth.

• A tuatara is a type of mammal with fur and warm blood.

• A tuatara is a bird known for its colorful feathers.

• A tuatara is a fish that can breathe both in water and air.

How do the circulatory systems of fish and amphibians contrast?

• Fish: Double-loop, 3-chambered heart; Amphibian: Single-loop, 2-chambered heart.

• Fish: Single-loop, 2-chambered heart; Amphibian: Double-loop, 3-chambered heart.

• Fish: Single-loop, 3-chambered heart; Amphibian: Double-loop, 2-chambered heart.

• Fish: Double-loop, 2-chambered heart; Amphibian: Single-loop, 3-chambered heart.

What are the characteristics of Fishes?

• Most have jaws, paired fins, and scales; they get oxygen from water using gills.

• Fishes are warm-blooded and have lungs for breathing air.

• Fishes have a 4-chambered heart and a closed double-loop circulatory system.

• Fishes are mammals that give live birth and have fur.

How are Frogs & Toads different?

• Frogs have shorter legs and bumpy dry skin; toads have longer, more powerful legs and smooth moist skin.

• Frogs have longer, more powerful legs, smooth moist skin, and must live near water; toads have shorter legs and bumpy dry skin.

• Frogs are larger and have dry skin; toads are smaller and have smooth skin.

• Frogs can live in trees; toads prefer underground habitats.

What are the characteristics of Mammals?

• Give live births, hair/fur, and feed young milk/mammary glands.

• Lay eggs and have scales.

• Cold-blooded and live in water.

• Have feathers and can fly.

How can amphibians survive cold winters?

• Bury themselves in the mud at the bottom of a pond and breathe through their skin.

• Hibernate in tree hollows and feed on insects.

• Swim to warmer waters and stay active.

• Build nests above ground to keep warm.

What is a global factor causing amphibian populations to decline?

• Increased exposure to UV light damages their eggs.

• Habitat destruction due to urbanization.

• Increased competition from invasive species.

• Climate change affecting their breeding cycles.

What are examples of Lizards?

• Anoles, iguanas, and chameleons.

• Frogs, toads, and newts.

• Snakes, turtles, and crocodiles.

• Bats, mice, and squirrels.

What is Heterotrophic?

• Need to eat other organisms for food.

• Can produce its own food through photosynthesis.

• Requires sunlight to survive.

• Is a type of plant that grows in water.