Chapter 29: Vertebrate Evolution

The statement is true because it is well-documented that reptiles have evolved from a common ancestor. Over time, different lineages of reptiles have adapted to various environments and lifestyles, resulting in the wide diversity of reptiles we see today. This process of adaptation and divergence is a fundamental aspect of evolution and has occurred in many other groups of organisms as well.

Amphibians evolved from lobe-finned fishes with lungs. This is because lobe-finned fishes were the first vertebrates to develop lungs, allowing them to breathe air. Over time, some lobe-finned fishes adapted to living in shallow water and eventually on land, leading to the evolution of amphibians. This transition from water to land required the development of limbs and other adaptations to survive in terrestrial environments.

The given correct answer is "C. carnivores." Predacious meat eaters with large and conical-shaped canines are referred to as carnivores. Carnivores are animals that primarily feed on meat and have adaptations such as sharp teeth and claws for hunting and capturing prey. Cetaceans are marine mammals such as whales and dolphins, chiroptera refers to bats, and proboscidea includes elephants. Therefore, the most appropriate classification for the given description is carnivores.

The correct answer is B. Chordata. Chordata is the phylum that contains the vertebrates. Vertebrates are animals that have a backbone or spinal column. This includes animals such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.

Birds do not have aquatic reproduction. They reproduce by laying hard-shelled eggs on land. The other characteristics mentioned are all true for birds. They are endotherms, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally. They have modified reptilian scales that have evolved into feathers. They also have a modified skeleton with a fused collarbone and a keel, which provides support for their flight muscles.

The statement is true because during embryonic development in humans, the pharyngeal pouches give rise to various structures including the auditory tubes, tonsils, thymus glands, and the parathyroid glands. These structures play important roles in the respiratory and immune systems, as well as in the regulation of calcium levels in the body.

The correct answer is D. All of the above are correct. This means that all three options A, B, and C - placental mammals, marsupials, and monotremes - are included in the mammalian lineages. This indicates that all three types of mammals are part of the evolutionary history and classification of mammals.

Lampreys are vertebrates without jaws. They are a type of jawless fish that belong to the class Cyclostomata. Lampreys have a round, sucker-like mouth that they use to attach themselves to other fish and feed on their blood and body fluids. They do not have true jaws like other vertebrates, such as rays, turtles, and eels, which all have well-developed jaws. Therefore, the correct answer is C. lampreys.

The correct answer is E. All of the choices are correct. Sharks lack bony skeletons, have placoid scales, have a keen sense of smell, and have teeth derived from epidermal scales. This means that all of the given statements about sharks are true.

The correct answer is E. This is because pharyngeal pouches, a dorsal nerve cord, a notochord, and a postanal tail are the four defining characteristics of chordates. These characteristics are present in all chordates at some point in their development, and they help to distinguish chordates from other animal groups.

The correct answer is D. exoskeletons. Vertebrates are animals that have internal skeletons, or endoskeletons, made up of bones or cartilage. They also have internal organs, vertebral columns (backbones), postanal tails, and skulls. However, exoskeletons are characteristic of invertebrates, such as arthropods, not vertebrates.

The cartilaginous fishes are a group of fishes that have skeletons made of cartilage instead of bone. Skates, sharks, and rays are all examples of cartilaginous fishes. Goldfish, on the other hand, are bony fishes and do not belong to the cartilaginous fish group.

The explanation for the answer "False" is that the statement is incorrect. The most successful mammals do not belong to the marsupials group. Success in mammals can be measured in various ways, such as population size, adaptability, and ecological impact. Marsupials, while successful in their own right, do not dominate in these aspects compared to other mammal groups such as rodents, primates, and carnivores. Therefore, the statement is false.

Not all chordates are vertebrates. While all vertebrates are chordates, there are also non-vertebrate chordates such as tunicates and lancelets. These organisms possess the defining characteristics of chordates, such as a notochord and a dorsal nerve cord, but do not have a backbone or vertebral column. Therefore, the statement that all chordates are also vertebrates is false.

Reptiles evolved from amphibian ancestors and were abundant by the Permian Period. This means that reptiles developed from amphibians and became widespread during the Permian period.

Amphibians were the first vertebrates to live on land. They evolved from fish.

The correct answer is D. The respiratory system in birds is a one-way circulation of air so constant oxygen absorption can meet the high oxygen demand. This means that air flows in one direction through the respiratory system, allowing for efficient oxygen absorption. This is necessary for birds as they have a high metabolic rate and require a constant supply of oxygen to support their active lifestyle, especially during flight.

The correct answer is D. placenta. The placenta is the organ of nutrition used in fetal development in mammals. It is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus, as well as removing waste products. The placenta is formed during pregnancy and connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, allowing for the exchange of substances between the mother and the fetus. This organ plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the fetus, making it the most successful method of nutrition in mammals during fetal development.

Jawed fish and all other vertebrates are classified as gnathostomes, meaning they have jaws. This characteristic sets them apart from other animals and is a defining feature of this group.

Amphibians are known for their thin moist skin, small inefficient lungs, aquatic larvae, and eggs with a gelatinous covering. However, they do not have a two-chambered heart. Instead, amphibians have a three-chambered heart, with two atria and one ventricle. The ventricle partially separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, allowing for some mixing. This is different from the two-chambered heart found in fish and the four-chambered heart found in mammals and birds.

Amphibians have a common receptacle for their urinary, genital, and digestive canals, which is called the cloaca. The cloaca is a chamber where these systems converge before excretion or reproduction. It is found in many vertebrates, including reptiles, birds, and amphibians. The other options, such as vulva, glottis, tympanum, and operculum, are not related to the common receptacle for these canals in amphibians.

Fishes make up the largest group of vertebrates because there are more species of fishes compared to mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Fishes are a diverse group of animals that live in various aquatic environments, including freshwater and saltwater. They have adapted to different habitats and evolved a wide range of characteristics and behaviors. This diversity and abundance contribute to fishes being the largest group of vertebrates.

The correct answer is E. A, B, and C are correct. The fossil Tiktaalik roseae provides insight into how the legs of tetrapods evolved, as it has features of both fish and land-dwelling animals. It is considered a transitional fossil form, showing a link between fish and tetrapods. Additionally, Tiktaalik roseae was found in Arctic Canada. Therefore, all three statements A, B, and C are correct.

During the Cretaceous Period, reptiles were the dominant species on Earth. They thrived for approximately 170 million years until they eventually became extinct at the end of this period. The Cretaceous Period is known for its diverse range of reptiles, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and marine reptiles. This extinction event marked the end of the Mesozoic Era and paved the way for the rise of mammals and birds in the following Cenozoic Era.

In some chordates, the pharyngeal pouches are replaced by gills. This means that instead of having pouches in their throat region, these chordates have gills for respiration.

The amniotic egg first developed in reptiles. This type of egg has a specialized membrane called the amnion that surrounds and protects the developing embryo. It allows reptiles to reproduce on land without the need for water, providing a major advantage for survival. The development of the amniotic egg is considered a key adaptation that allowed reptiles to colonize diverse habitats and become successful land-dwelling animals.

The correct answer is B. therapsids. Therapsids were a group of mammal-like reptiles that lived during the Permian and Triassic periods. They had many characteristics that were similar to mammals, such as a more advanced jaw structure and differentiated teeth. These reptiles eventually evolved into the first true mammals, making them the ancestors of modern mammals. Coelacanths are a type of fish, lampreys are jawless fish, and archaeopteryx is considered one of the earliest known birds.

The correct answer is D. The duckbill platypus is different from most mammals because it doesn't give birth, but lays eggs. This is a unique characteristic of the platypus and a key feature that distinguishes it from other mammals. Most mammals give birth to live young, but the platypus lays eggs and hatches them outside of its body. This adaptation is an evolutionary trait that sets the platypus apart from other mammals.

Mammals are believed to have evolved from mammal-like reptiles in the Jurassic period. During this time, dinosaurs dominated the land and mammals remained small and insignificant. This suggests that mammals were not the dominant life form during this period. Therefore, option C is the best description of the position of mammals in evolution.

Radial symmetry refers to the arrangement of body parts around a central axis, like in a starfish or jellyfish. Vertebrates, on the other hand, have bilateral symmetry, meaning their bodies can be divided into two equal halves along a vertical plane. Therefore, radial symmetry is not one of the characteristics of a vertebrate.

Lancelets, also known as Branchiostoma, are commonly found in the sandy bottoms of coastal waters around the world. This means that they are not limited to a specific geographical location or habitat, but rather have a wide distribution. They prefer to live in areas with sandy bottoms, which provide them with a suitable environment for burrowing and feeding. Lancelets are not found in tropical Amazon streams, as mentioned in option A. They are also not parasites inside the tracts of fish, as mentioned in option B. Option C, which states that they are rarely found in mountain streams and are almost extinct, is also incorrect. Therefore, the correct answer is option D.

Sea squirts, also known as tunicates, are considered the most likely ancestors of vertebrates. This is because they share some key characteristics with vertebrates, such as having a notochord during their larval stage and possessing a dorsal nerve cord. These similarities suggest a common ancestor and support the theory that vertebrates evolved from sea squirts.

Amphibians played a unique role in the evolution of land vertebrates by developing the separation of lung/gill and systemic (body) circulation. This allowed them to breathe air through lungs while still being able to respire through their skin or gills in water. This adaptation was crucial for their transition from aquatic to terrestrial habitats. It enabled them to survive in both environments and paved the way for the development of more advanced respiratory systems in later land vertebrates.

Amphibians and reptiles have several differences, including their skin type, respiratory system, and reproductive habits. Amphibians have smooth non-scaly skin, while reptiles have scales and dry skin. While all reptiles respire using lungs, amphibians use small lungs supplemented by cutaneous respiration. Amphibian eggs are laid in water, whereas reptiles do not require water for reproduction. However, the statement that reptiles are ectothermic and amphibians are endothermic is incorrect. Both reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by external sources. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

The term archosaurs refers to a group of reptiles that includes crocodilians, dinosaurs, and birds. Crocodilians are a type of reptile that includes crocodiles, alligators, and caimans. Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that lived millions of years ago and includes well-known species like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. Birds are a group of animals that evolved from dinosaurs and are characterized by feathers and the ability to fly. Therefore, the correct answer is E, as all three options A, B, and D are correct.

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Lungless salamanders lack lungs and rely on their skin for respiration. This suggests that they have evolved to have smaller and/or thinner body plans in order to maximize surface area for gas exchange through their skin. Having a larger or bulkier body would reduce the efficiency of this respiration method. Therefore, it is expected that lungless salamanders would be restricted to smaller and/or thinner body plans.

Mammals and birds both have hair (option A) and mammary glands (option B), which are distinguishing characteristics of these two groups. Additionally, mammals give birth to live young (option D). The only characteristic that sets mammals apart from birds is constant body temperature (option C). Unlike birds, mammals are endothermic, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally.

Turtles have been found to have an independent lineage from all other reptiles based on molecular data and skull features. This suggests that turtles evolved separately from lizards, snakes, and crocodiles, and have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other reptiles.

The correct answer is C. Quetzalcoatlus. The fossil record has provided evidence that Quetzalcoatlus had an estimated wing span of 13.5 meters, making it the largest flying animal to ever live. The other options, Tyrannosaurus, Thecodont, and Tiktaalik, are not flying animals and do not have the same characteristics as Quetzalcoatlus.

A notochord is a stiff dorsal supporting rod that forms in the early embryonic stage of all vertebrates. However, during development, the notochord is replaced by the vertebral column. Therefore, both options B and C are correct.

Salamanders practice internal fertilization using spermatophores. Spermatophores are packets of sperm that are deposited by males onto the ground or in water. The female then picks up the spermatophore and uses it to fertilize her eggs internally. This method of fertilization is different from external fertilization in water, copulation, and the fertilization process of frogs.

During the Carboniferous period, amphibians were the dominant animal life. This period, which occurred approximately 359 to 299 million years ago, is known for its extensive coal deposits and the development of large forests. The warm and humid climate during this time provided ideal conditions for amphibians, allowing them to thrive and become the dominant animal group. The Carboniferous period marked a significant period of evolution and diversification for amphibians, making it the correct answer for this question.

Monotremes are a group of mammals that lay eggs. They include animals such as the anteater and duck-billed platypus. Additionally, monotremes also nurse their young. Therefore, option D, which states that all of the above statements are true, is the correct answer.

The discovery of a living coelacanth off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean in 1938 proved that it had changed very little and had not gone extinct. This is because coelacanths were previously known only from fossils and were believed to have gone extinct millions of years ago. The discovery of a living coelacanth confirmed that they had survived and remained relatively unchanged over millions of years.

The correct answer is E. B and C only are correct. This means that kangaroos and Tasmanian devils are the only marsupials included in the given options. Spiny anteaters are not marsupials, so option A is incorrect. Option D is also incorrect because it includes all of the options, while the correct answer specifies that only options B and C are correct.

Marsupials are thought to have arisen in the Americas because the oldest known marsupial fossils have been found in North America. These fossils date back to the Late Cretaceous period, around 70 million years ago. This suggests that marsupials originated in the Americas and later dispersed to other parts of the world, including Australia. The presence of marsupials in Australia is believed to be the result of a later migration from South America to Antarctica and then to Australia via land bridges that connected these continents millions of years ago.