Sample Questions for Vertebrate Biology

Exam 1

1. Describe the function of lungs and swim bladders in fishes, and the evolutionary relationship between the two.

2. How can a bony fish change the volume of gas in its swim bladder?

3. Diagram and describe the four major types of fish scales, and give an example of a fish possessing each type.

4. Compare and contrast the terms anadromous and catadromous, using specific examples to illustrate the differences.

5. Describe the evolutionary change in muscular systems from the least-advanced vertebrates to the most-advanced vertebrates.

6. Describe the differences in circulatory systems among fish, amphibians, and mammals.

7. What group of vertebrates were the first to have jaws? From what pre-existing structures did they develop? What have these structures also formed in other vertebrates?

8. What sensory systems do cartilaginous fish use to sense their surroundings? How well-developed are they?

9. What modes of reproduction are used by bony fish?

10. What anatomical structures enabled early fish to survive the drying of their freshwater habitats?

Exam 2

1. Compare and contrast respiration in frogs and turtles.

2. List the four types of movement patterns displayed by snakes, and describe the conditions (habitat, environment, lifestyle, or whatever) in which each is used.

3. Describe obligatory neoteny and facultative neoteny as they apply to salamanders. Name one species that displays each type.

4. Describe, and if helpful diagram, the amniotic egg, and discuss the advantages it has over a non-amniotic egg.

5. Compare sex recognition and courtship behaviors in aquatic turtles and anole lizards.

6. Compare and contrast respiration in a frog and a plethodontid salamander. How do their habitats influence their modes of respiration?

7. How does the life cycle of a newt compare to that of a tiger salamander?

8. Compare "hibernation" strategies of a leopard frog and a tree frog in Minnesota.

9. Describe the rearrangement of organs necessary to allow the long, thin body plan of a snake.

10. Why can't turtles slide out of their shells like they always do in cartoons? What turtles have the most protective shells, and why are they more protective?

11. Amphibians do not have scales, but reptiles have scales. Explain the differing needs of these two groups to explain the presence or absence of scales.

Exam 3

1. Diagram and describe the structure of a typical contour feather. Contrast this structure with those of down feathers.

2. Describe four anatomical "adjustments" found in the bodies of birds (other than the simple presence of wings) that either were necessitated by flight or that make flight easier.

3. Compare and contrast the fore-gut and hindgut approaches to cellulose digestion employed by some mammals. Include which mammals use each approach.

4. Compare and contrast reproduction in monotremes and marsupials. Remember to include gestation periods, nourishment of developing embryos, and feeding of young after birth.

5. Explain the difference between monestrous and polyestrous mammals and provide examples of each.

6. Compare molting in birds and mammals. Why and when do they do it?

7. How do the lungs of birds work, and why is this atypical for vertebrates?

8. Compare and contrast the wing types of soaring birds along the Mississippi River valley and those along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Compare a deer antler and a cow horn in terms of structure and growth.

10. What are the general types of hair and hair derivatives are found in mammals?

11. Compare your teeth with those of a dog and a mouse, describing the importance of different tooth types and any that may be missing or reduced.

12. Discuss the possible origins of mammary glands by comparing them to other types of glands found in mammals.