Life Science Definitions Vertebrates
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28 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 Vertebrates, Tunicates, Lancelets | Three subphyla of chordates |
| Notochord | A flexible, rod-like structure on the dorsal side of chordates |
| Dorsal Hollow Nerve Chord | Tubular bundle of nerves that lies above the notochord |
| Gill slits | Paired openings in the throat behind the mouth (in fish, become gills) |
| Vertebrates | Class of animals that are named for the column of bones that surrounds the dorsal nerve chord |
| Ectotherms | Types of vertebrate that has a body that changes temperature with the surroundings |
| Endotherms | Those types of vertebrates with constant body temperatures |
| Fin | Fan-like structure of a fish that is used for steering, balancing, and moving |
| Scales | Hard, thin, overlapping plates of a fish that protects the body |
| Jawless Fish, Cartilaginous Fish, Bony Fish | Three classes of fish (in order from notes) |
| Cartilage | Tough, flexible tissue of jawless fish that is not as hard as bone |
| Jawless Fish | Class of fish that includes lamprey and hagfish |
| Cartilaginous Fish | Class of fish that includes sharks, skates, and rays |
| Bony Fish | 95% of all fish belong to this class of fishes |
| Spawning | Process when males swim over the eggs and release sperm to fertilize |
| Swim Bladder | An air sac that controls the buoyancy of a bony fish |
| Lobe-Finned Fish | Group of bony fish that have lobe-like, flesh fins, probably ancestors of first land vertebrates |
| Lungfish | Group of bony fish that have both gills and lungs for breathing |
| Ray-Finned Fish | Group of bony fish that have long, thin bones that cover their skin |
| Amphibios | Means "double-life" |
| Amphibians | Ectothermic vertebrates that live part of their lives in water, and part of their lives on land |
| Hibernation | Period of inactivity and lower metabolic needs in winter |
| Estivation | Period of inactivity in the hot, dry summer months |
| Reptiles | Ectothermic vertebrates with dry, scaly skin; includes snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles |
| Amniotic Egg | Egg composed of leathery shell and membranes that create a complete environment for the growing embryo |
| Clutch | Eggs laid at once |
| Contour, Down | Two types of feathers on birds |
| Flapping, Soaring and Gliding, Diving | Three types of flight of a bird |
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