Animal Classification Quiz

Animal Classification

• Animals are classified into vertebrates (with a backbone) and invertebrates (without a backbone).

Vertebrates

• Vertebrates have a backbone, also called the vertebral column.
• The vertebral column is made of vertebrae (cartilaginous or bony segments).
• Vertebrates include mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish.

A. Mammals

• Characteristics:

  • Possess hair/fur.
  • Have mammary glands.
  • Are endothermic (warm-blooded), maintaining constant body temperature.
  • Most develop a placenta for embryo nourishment.
  • Limbs adapted for various activities (running, flying, climbing, etc.).

• Examples and characteristics of specific mammal groups:

  • Moles, Hedgehogs, Shrews: Nocturnal insect-eaters; the shrew is the smallest mammal.
  • Bats: Adapted for flight, using echolocation.
  • Canids (Cats, Dogs, Wolves, Foxes): Generally fast, strong, and intelligent.
  • Sloths, Ant Eaters, Armadillos: Sloths are slow, armadillos have bony plates for protection.
  • Rodents (Squirrels, Beavers, etc.): Growing incisors that continuously wear down.
  • Lagomorphs (Rabbits, Hares, Pikas): Chisel-like incisors with enamel, long hind legs for jumping.
  • Primates (Lemurs, Monkeys, Apes, Humans): Highly developed brains and other organs.
  • Ungulates (Horses, Zebras, etc.): Herbivorous mammals; many have even number of toes.
  • Aquatic mammals (Seals, Whales, etc.): Diverse aquatic adaptations. Blue whale is the largest animal.
  • Proboscideans (Elephants): Largest land animals; have trunks.

B. Birds

• Characteristics:
  • Warm-blooded vertebrates.
  • Streamlined bodies, covered with feathers.
  • Forelimbs modified into wings.
  • Wings primarily for flight, but some birds adapted for swimming (penguins) or running (ostriches).

C. Amphibians

• Characteristics:
  • Live on land and in water (often return to water to reproduce).
  • Eggs and sperm usually released in water.
  • Examples include salamanders, frogs, toads, caecilians.

D. Reptiles

• Characteristics:
  • Terrestrial animals.
  • Bodies covered with hard, dry scales.
  • Scales provide protection from drying and predators.
  • Examples include turtles, terrapins, tortoises, crocodiles, alligators, lizards, snakes, and geckos.

E. Fish

• Characteristics:
  • Highly vascular gills for gas exchange.
  • Live in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
  • Diverse groups:
    • Jawless fish: (Lampreys, Hagfishes)
    • Cartilaginous fish: (Sharks, Rays) - cartilaginous skeletons, paired jaws, gills, and fins. Whale shark is the largest.
    • Bony fish: (Tilapia, Bangus) - bony scales, diverse species.