Amniote Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which membrane in the amniotic egg develops as an outgrowth of the hindgut?

Amnion

Allantoic membrane (correct)

Yolk sac

Chorion

What is the primary function of temporal fenestration in amniotes?

To regulate skull temperature

To provide structural support to the skull

To allow more space for the brain

To provide attachment points for jaw muscles enabling diverse feeding strategies (correct)

An amniote with a skull that has two temporal fenestrae is classified as a:

Mesosaur

Diapsid (correct)

Anapsid

Synapsid

Which of these features is NOT a characteristic of amniotes?

Palatal teeth Signup and view all the answers

From which part of the developing embryo do the chorion and amnion originate?

Outgrowths of the body wall Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of muscles in fish?

Locomotion Signup and view all the answers

What additional function do muscles serve in tetrapods, beyond locomotion?

Stabilizing the trunk Signup and view all the answers

Why would large tetrapods have difficulty releasing CO2 through their skin?

Their low surface area to volume ratio Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT considered a synapomorphy of tetrapods?

Scaly Skin Signup and view all the answers

During which period did non-amniote tetrapods reach their peak diversity?

The Late Carboniferous and Early Permian Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the significance of Tiktaalik in tetrapod evolution?

It represents a transitional species with features of both fish and tetrapods, including a functional neck and early limb structures. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of diet did most early tetrapods have?

Carnivorous Signup and view all the answers

According to the presented information, the development of limbs in tetrapods is best described as:

A result of the modification of fin structures through changes in the expression of Hox genes. Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factor is most different on land compared to water, according to the materials?

The effect of gravity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'amniote'?

A tetrapod that has an amniotic egg Signup and view all the answers

Which answer contains ONLY groups of amniotes?

Synapsida, Parareptilia, Birds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed reason for why animals moved onto land?

Avoiding competition from other species in water Signup and view all the answers

What significant advantage does air offer over water regarding oxygen availability?

Oxygen diffuses 20 times more rapidly in air than in water. Signup and view all the answers

What structural feature allowed Tiktaalik more mobility than other fish species?

A neck not connected to its skull Signup and view all the answers

Which environmental concern does not directly relate to the transition of an animal from water to land?

Lower amounts of oxygen available in the air compared to water. Signup and view all the answers

What role do the Hox A/D gene clusters play in the evolution of tetrapods?

They are responsible for coding both fins and limbs, with differential expression leading to variations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the inner amniotic membrane?

To surround and protect the developing embryo. Signup and view all the answers

How does the ossification of ribs in amniotes improve their function?

It provides a rigid structure for breathing through rib ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

The presence of temporal fenestration in the skull of amniotes is significant because it:

Provides areas for jaw muscle attachment, affecting feeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that differentiates synapsids from diapsids?

The number of holes they have in their skulls. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the allantoic membrane in the amniotic egg?

To store waste products of the developing embryo. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of Tiktaalik provides evidence of a transition towards tetrapods?

Its shoulders not connected to the skull. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major difference in the thermal environment experienced by land-dwelling animals compared to water-dwelling animals?

The tendency for temperature to fluctuate more on land. Signup and view all the answers

According to the presented information, what is the primary function of the Hox 11 and 13 genes?

Development of hands and feet Signup and view all the answers

What skeletal modification in tetrapods enables a greater range of head movement compared to fish?

The presence of two occipital condyles. Signup and view all the answers

How does the density of air compared to water affect tetrapods moving onto land?

It creates challenges for structural support due to reduced buoyancy. Signup and view all the answers

Why might early tetrapods have used dermal bone?

To buffer acidosis while on land. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concentration of oxygen in air compared to water impact the transition of animals to land?

The higher concentration of oxygen in air facilitated more efficient respiration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of non-amniote tetrapods?

They are all primarily terrestrial and adapted for life on land. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the earliest tetrapods have an advantage moving to land compared to fish, regarding resources?

They found new environments with fewer predators, and abundant food sources, like vascular plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between early tetrapods and modern amphibians (Lissamphibians)?

Early tetrapods were generally crocodile-like, while modern amphibians have diverse body forms. Signup and view all the answers

What does the homologous nature of tetrapod limbs and fish fins suggest?

They share a common developmental genetic origin. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that large tetrapods cannot release CO2 efficiently via their skin?

The surface area to volume ratio is too low. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information provided, which of these is a functional feature that Tiktaalik developed to aid in movement?

The head and body are flat with eyes on top. Signup and view all the answers

During which geological period did insect diversity increase significantly, coinciding with the radiation of non-amniote tetrapods?

The Pennsylvanian period Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a synapomorphy shared by all tetrapods?

Internal nostrils/olfactory epithelium Signup and view all the answers

When did amniotes first appear, and during which period did they undergo their major radiation?

Appeared in the mid-Carboniferous, radiated in the Permian Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tetrapods

Tetrapods are a group of vertebrates characterized by having four limbs.
They are distinguished from other vertebrates by possessing four limbs, and digits on their hands and feet.
Early tetrapods evolved from fish, specifically lobed-finned fishes.
Key transitions include the development of limbs, modification of skull and jaw structure, and adaptation for breathing in air.
Tetrapods exhibit a wide range of adaptations for terrestrial life, including diverse skin types such as scales, feathers, hair and nails.

Tetrapod Phylogeny

The evolutionary relationships among different tetrapod groups are represented in a phylogenetic tree.
This tree shows how various tetrapod groups are related, revealing evolutionary steps and shared characteristics among different groups.
The placement of groups like lungfish, tetrapodomorphs, and tetrapods demonstrates evolutionary relationships.
Key adaptations in tetrapods are reflected in the evolutionary tree, such as bone patterns, limb structure, and respiratory systems.
The images and diagrams in the provided pages illustrate the evolution of tetrapod anatomy, showcasing the transitions from fish-like features to more advanced tetrapod characteristics. Locomotion changed from swimming movements to walking and maintaining body posture on land.

Tiktaalik

Tiktaalik is an extinct fish that is considered a transitional fossil between fish and tetrapods.
It displayed features intermediate between those of fish and tetrapods, suggesting it played a role in the evolution of limbs.
Its characteristics exemplified a combination of fish and tetrapod characteristics, like having lungs, and rudimentary fins, creating a transitional link.
These characteristics, such as developing limb bones and other features, are illustrated in the provided images and discussed in the text.
The discovery of Tiktaalik provides significant clues to explain the transition from fish to tetrapod forms.

Evolution of Tetrapods

The evolution of tetrapods is marked by a transition from water to land-dwelling environments.
This transition required adaptations that addressed various environmental challenges, such as respiration, locomotion and reproduction.
The diversification of organisms into new life forms created various lineages from a common ancestor.
Evidence suggests seasonal droughts, searching for food, and reproduction in moist environments were influential factors in encouraging the move.
Factors such as different atmospheric conditions, environmental challenges, and resource availability influenced and drove the adaptive evolution of the tetrapod groups. Early tetrapod reproduction was impacted by environmental changes, necessitating adaptation in moist or dry environments.

Hypothesized Reasons for Tetrapod Move onto Land

Seasonal droughts that may have dried up bodies of water where fish lived, forcing them to migrate towards other water sources.
Seeking new food sources and environments.
Reproduction in moist environments for offspring development.

Forelimb Development

Forelimbs in fish and tetrapods share homologous (similar) structures.
These similar structures, coded by the same Hox genes, suggest an evolutionary link.
The development of limbs from fins reflects evolutionary processes.
Hands and feet in tetrapods are formed through differential expression of the same genes that created fin rays in their ancestors, resulting in adaptation for land-based functions.

Tetrapod Synapomorphies (Shared Derived Traits)

Tetrapods share a set of unique features that distinguish them from other vertebrate groups.
These features, including four limbs with digits, internal nostrils, stapes, and a pelvic girdle attached to the backbone are all considered unique characteristics or synapomorphies.
These shared characteristics indicate common ancestry and distinguish tetrapods from other vertebrates.

Modern Amphibians

Frogs, salamanders, and caecilians represent modern amphibian groups.
They are considered a separate group descended from a common ancestor with tetrapods. Modern amphibians demonstrate adaptations related to diverse environments, including aquatic or terrestrial settings.

Amniotes

Amniotes are a group of tetrapods characterized by an amniotic egg, which allows reproduction on land.
This adaptation allowed them to reproduce effectively on land, and these characteristics helped them survive in new terrestrial environments.
The amniotic egg is a key feature that enabled amniotes to live on land.
Amniotes diversified in the Permian period.
Key groups include synapsids (mammals), parareptiles, and eureptiles (extant reptiles, including birds).

Other Amniote Characteristics

Amniotes have diverse skin coverings (such as scales, feathers, hair) and these characteristics are part of the adaptation for the terrestrial environment.
Specialized features like ribs for lung ventilation, adaptation in diverse environments.
Limb structure and changes in muscle attachments, contributing to locomotion were crucial adaptations to life on land

Amniotic Egg

The amniotic egg has several membranes that support the development of the embryo outside the water, a significant adaptation to life on land.
The shell provides a protective barrier and the internal membranes provide a suitable habitat for the developing embryo. The protected environment of the amniotic egg facilitated successful reproduction in terrestrial environments.

Amniote Skull Classification

Amniotes are classified by the number of holes in their heads, or temporal fenestration.
Anapsids, Synapsids, and Diapsids are the three main skull types based on the skull structure's design.
Their skulls demonstrate their evolutionary divergence and adaptation to various life-forms in terrestrial habitats.

Locomotion and Breathing Modifications in Early Tetrapods

Early tetrapod locomotion and breathing were modified from their aquatic ancestors, resulting in better adaptations to the terrestrial environment.
Adaptations like muscles for maintaining body posture while walking evolved from swimming movements.
Problems with respiration, and a challenge in regulating carbon dioxide, emerged due to the change from water to land, but the respiratory systems of tetrapods evolved to match the new environment.
Their respiratory systems adjusted to release of CO2 in the air to ensure energy.

Radiation of Non-Amniote Tetrapods

Early tetrapods radiated in the Late Carboniferous and Early Permian.
These tetrapods were mostly aquatic.
They were characterized by large size, and crocodile-like bodies, and were closely related to amniotes. Their diversity expanded in response to various terrestrial adaptations

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Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy and features of amniotes with this quiz. Questions cover aspects like the development of membranes in the amniotic egg, temporal fenestration, and classification based on skull features. Perfect for students studying vertebrate biology or comparative anatomy.