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Questions and Answers
Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with mammals?
Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with mammals?
What is the primary function of the vertebral column in vertebrates?
What is the primary function of the vertebral column in vertebrates?
Which group of mammals is characterized by the presence of chisel-like incisors?
Which group of mammals is characterized by the presence of chisel-like incisors?
What term describes warm-blooded animals that can generate and store heat?
What term describes warm-blooded animals that can generate and store heat?
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Which animal is classified as a mammal?
Which animal is classified as a mammal?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of birds?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of birds?
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Which of these mammals is known for its ability to adapt to flying?
Which of these mammals is known for its ability to adapt to flying?
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Which feature distinguishes mammals from other vertebrates?
Which feature distinguishes mammals from other vertebrates?
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What distinguishes herbivorous mammals like horses and giraffes?
What distinguishes herbivorous mammals like horses and giraffes?
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What is the largest living sea animal?
What is the largest living sea animal?
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What is the primary characteristic that differentiates birds from amphibians?
What is the primary characteristic that differentiates birds from amphibians?
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Which of the following statements about reptiles is true?
Which of the following statements about reptiles is true?
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What adaptation allows snakes to swallow prey larger than their heads?
What adaptation allows snakes to swallow prey larger than their heads?
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How do most amphibians reproduce?
How do most amphibians reproduce?
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Which feature is characteristic of bony fish?
Which feature is characteristic of bony fish?
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What is the primary habitat of crocodiles?
What is the primary habitat of crocodiles?
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Which of the following birds is specifically adapted for swimming rather than flying?
Which of the following birds is specifically adapted for swimming rather than flying?
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Which amphibian is characterized as being tailless?
Which amphibian is characterized as being tailless?
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What is a distinguishing feature of jawless fish, such as lamprey eels?
What is a distinguishing feature of jawless fish, such as lamprey eels?
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Which reptile is known for having a protective outer shell made of bony plates?
Which reptile is known for having a protective outer shell made of bony plates?
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Study Notes
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
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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.).
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Description
Test your knowledge on animal classification with a focus on vertebrates and mammals. Dive into the characteristics and examples of various mammal groups, including their adaptations and unique traits. Perfect for biology enthusiasts looking to enhance their understanding of the animal kingdom.
