Podcast
Questions and Answers
In chordates, what is the primary function of the notochord during the life cycle?
In chordates, what is the primary function of the notochord during the life cycle?
- Serves as the primary digestive organ in larval stages.
- Functions as the main respiratory organ before the development of gills or lungs.
- Facilitates sensory perception during embryonic development only.
- Acts as a skeletal rod for support, present at some stage. (correct)
Which of the options is true regarding the distribution of living fish species in aquatic environments?
Which of the options is true regarding the distribution of living fish species in aquatic environments?
- The majority inhabit freshwater, with a small fraction moving to marine environments to breed.
- The number of them in freshwater is the same as those that migrate between fresh and salt water.
- Most of them are marine species, with a small percentage living in freshwater. (correct)
- The distribution is evenly split between freshwater, marine, and brackish water environments.
How does the feeding strategy of 'benthophagous' fish primarily differ from that of 'planktophagous' fish?
How does the feeding strategy of 'benthophagous' fish primarily differ from that of 'planktophagous' fish?
- Benthophagous fish feed on bottom-dwelling organisms, whereas planktophagous fish feed on plankton. (correct)
- Benthophagous fish consume detritus, whereas planktophagous fish feed on decaying organic matter.
- Benthophagous fish are primarily surface feeders, whereas planktophagous fish feed at the bottom.
- Benthophagous fish filter microscopic organisms from the water column, whereas planktophagous fish scavenge.
What is the most accurate description of the integumentary system in jawless fishes (Agnatha)?
What is the most accurate description of the integumentary system in jawless fishes (Agnatha)?
How does the feeding mechanism of hagfishes (Myxiniformes) uniquely contribute to their ecological role?
How does the feeding mechanism of hagfishes (Myxiniformes) uniquely contribute to their ecological role?
What is a key distinction between the scales of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) and bony fishes (Osteichthyes)?
What is a key distinction between the scales of cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) and bony fishes (Osteichthyes)?
Which of the options describes the significance of the operculum in bony fish (Osteichthyes)?
Which of the options describes the significance of the operculum in bony fish (Osteichthyes)?
What is the functional advantage of the rostral organ present in coelacanths?
What is the functional advantage of the rostral organ present in coelacanths?
How does the habitat preference of gars (Lepisosteidae) influence their ecological interactions?
How does the habitat preference of gars (Lepisosteidae) influence their ecological interactions?
What adaptations, beyond basic body structure, give tree frogs (Hylidae) an advantage in their arboreal environments?
What adaptations, beyond basic body structure, give tree frogs (Hylidae) an advantage in their arboreal environments?
How do the reproductive strategies of salamanders and frogs differ significantly within the amphibian class?
How do the reproductive strategies of salamanders and frogs differ significantly within the amphibian class?
Which of the following characteristics of amphibians is most significant in their role as indicators of environmental health?
Which of the following characteristics of amphibians is most significant in their role as indicators of environmental health?
What is a key distinction between the suborders of salamanders, Cryptobranchoidea, Salamandroidea, and Sirenoidea?
What is a key distinction between the suborders of salamanders, Cryptobranchoidea, Salamandroidea, and Sirenoidea?
How does the process of autotomy in some species of salamanders enhance their survival against predation?
How does the process of autotomy in some species of salamanders enhance their survival against predation?
What biological mechanism allows the Mexican axolotl to remain in a larval stage throughout its adult life, and under what conditions can this be altered?
What biological mechanism allows the Mexican axolotl to remain in a larval stage throughout its adult life, and under what conditions can this be altered?
How does the behavior of the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans) deviate from that of most other frog species in terms of parental care?
How does the behavior of the common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans) deviate from that of most other frog species in terms of parental care?
What specific physiological adaptation gives the common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) a unique survival advantage compared to most other amphibians?
What specific physiological adaptation gives the common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus) a unique survival advantage compared to most other amphibians?
Which evolutionary adaptation explains the success and diversity of the 'true frogs' (family Ranidae)?
Which evolutionary adaptation explains the success and diversity of the 'true frogs' (family Ranidae)?
How does the skin secretion of the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) function as a defense mechanism?
How does the skin secretion of the fire-bellied toad (Bombina bombina) function as a defense mechanism?
What unique feature do glass frogs (Centrolenidae) possess that allows a clear view of their internal organs?
What unique feature do glass frogs (Centrolenidae) possess that allows a clear view of their internal organs?
Which aspect of cod (Gadus morhua) ecology must be carefully managed to balance human interests.
Which aspect of cod (Gadus morhua) ecology must be carefully managed to balance human interests.
What evolutionary advantage has the lamprey developed that promotes it's survival?
What evolutionary advantage has the lamprey developed that promotes it's survival?
In cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, what structures provide internal skeletal support?
In cartilaginous fish, such as sharks, what structures provide internal skeletal support?
While both fish and amphibians depend on water, what specific physiological challenge do amphibians face due to their semi-permeable skin?
While both fish and amphibians depend on water, what specific physiological challenge do amphibians face due to their semi-permeable skin?
Which of the following anatomical features is a key adaptation that allows lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii) to make a transition to terrestrial environments?
Which of the following anatomical features is a key adaptation that allows lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii) to make a transition to terrestrial environments?
What evolutionary advantage do anadromous fish, such as salmon exhibit, through their life cycle's migration?
What evolutionary advantage do anadromous fish, such as salmon exhibit, through their life cycle's migration?
Which of the following adaptation in certain teleost fishes has led them to be the most dominant class of bony fish?
Which of the following adaptation in certain teleost fishes has led them to be the most dominant class of bony fish?
What is the most important reason behind amphibian eggs needing to be laid near or in bodies of water?
What is the most important reason behind amphibian eggs needing to be laid near or in bodies of water?
Why do the feeding habits of gar make it a necessity for it's survival.
Why do the feeding habits of gar make it a necessity for it's survival.
Within jawless fish, hagfish have slime sacks. How does this add to the survival.
Within jawless fish, hagfish have slime sacks. How does this add to the survival.
If skeleton development has a distinct difference in Osteichthyes, what is the major difference? (some toothless); jaws present.
If skeleton development has a distinct difference in Osteichthyes, what is the major difference? (some toothless); jaws present.
Unlike the 10 cranial nerves seen in fish, how many are there in amphibians?
Unlike the 10 cranial nerves seen in fish, how many are there in amphibians?
Amphibians with out legs are reduced limbs are also called.
Amphibians with out legs are reduced limbs are also called.
Why is climate warming such a factor for amphibian extinction?
Why is climate warming such a factor for amphibian extinction?
Describe the difference between Batrachology versus Herpetology.
Describe the difference between Batrachology versus Herpetology.
How does the presence of a postanal tail in chordates contribute to their evolutionary success?
How does the presence of a postanal tail in chordates contribute to their evolutionary success?
What evolutionary constraint might explain why freshwater fish constitute a smaller percentage of fish species compared to marine species?
What evolutionary constraint might explain why freshwater fish constitute a smaller percentage of fish species compared to marine species?
How does the feeding strategy of rapacious fish contribute to the stability and health of their ecosystems?
How does the feeding strategy of rapacious fish contribute to the stability and health of their ecosystems?
What is the most significant implication of the absence of scales in Agnatha (jawless fishes) compared to other fish species?
What is the most significant implication of the absence of scales in Agnatha (jawless fishes) compared to other fish species?
In hagfishes, how does their unique feeding behavior correlate with their specialized anatomical features?
In hagfishes, how does their unique feeding behavior correlate with their specialized anatomical features?
How do placoid scales, found in Chondrichthyes, provide an advantage over the scales found in Osteichthyes in terms of hydrodynamics?
How do placoid scales, found in Chondrichthyes, provide an advantage over the scales found in Osteichthyes in terms of hydrodynamics?
What is the evolutionary trade-off associated with the operculum in Osteichthyes?
What is the evolutionary trade-off associated with the operculum in Osteichthyes?
What role might the rostral organ in coelacanths play in deep-sea environments where light is limited?
What role might the rostral organ in coelacanths play in deep-sea environments where light is limited?
What are the ecological implications of the gar's habitat preferences for conservation efforts, considering their specialized feeding habits?
What are the ecological implications of the gar's habitat preferences for conservation efforts, considering their specialized feeding habits?
Which of the subsequent reasons explains the necessity for amphibian eggs to be laid near or in bodies of water?
Which of the subsequent reasons explains the necessity for amphibian eggs to be laid near or in bodies of water?
What selection pressure might have driven the evolution of sticky pads on the feet of tree frogs?
What selection pressure might have driven the evolution of sticky pads on the feet of tree frogs?
How does the reliance on both aquatic and terrestrial environments affect the survival strategies of larval versus adult amphibians?
How does the reliance on both aquatic and terrestrial environments affect the survival strategies of larval versus adult amphibians?
What specific environmental parameters must be monitored to accurately assess the health of amphibian populations as indicators?
What specific environmental parameters must be monitored to accurately assess the health of amphibian populations as indicators?
Considering the diversity within Salamandroidea, what adaptive advantage might explain their greater species richness compared to Cryptobranchoidea?
Considering the diversity within Salamandroidea, what adaptive advantage might explain their greater species richness compared to Cryptobranchoidea?
In regions subject to high predation pressure, what is a potential trade-off associated with the autotomy defense mechanism in salamanders?
In regions subject to high predation pressure, what is a potential trade-off associated with the autotomy defense mechanism in salamanders?
If the Mexican axolotl demonstrates facultative metamorphosis upon exposure to thyroid hormones, what does this imply about the evolutionary pressures acting on wild populations?
If the Mexican axolotl demonstrates facultative metamorphosis upon exposure to thyroid hormones, what does this imply about the evolutionary pressures acting on wild populations?
What is the most likely evolutionary pressure that favors male parental care in the midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans)?
What is the most likely evolutionary pressure that favors male parental care in the midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans)?
How might the color-changing ability of Hyperolius viridiflavus contribute to its ecological niche and survival?
How might the color-changing ability of Hyperolius viridiflavus contribute to its ecological niche and survival?
What evolutionary constraint may limit the geographic distribution of glass frogs, given their translucent skin?
What evolutionary constraint may limit the geographic distribution of glass frogs, given their translucent skin?
What ramifications would a total extinction of the cod (Gadus morhua) have on the ecosystem?
What ramifications would a total extinction of the cod (Gadus morhua) have on the ecosystem?
How does the notochord function to allow the fishes that possess it to thrive?
How does the notochord function to allow the fishes that possess it to thrive?
What is a significant threat to amphibians with semi-permeable skin?
What is a significant threat to amphibians with semi-permeable skin?
How does their semi-aquatic lifestyle impact their physiological activity such as nitrogen excretion?
How does their semi-aquatic lifestyle impact their physiological activity such as nitrogen excretion?
A key evolutionary adaptation that makes the transition possible for lobe-finned fishes to transition to land is?
A key evolutionary adaptation that makes the transition possible for lobe-finned fishes to transition to land is?
A great example of advantages through the life cycle can be shown by the long migration of the Anadromous fish. How?
A great example of advantages through the life cycle can be shown by the long migration of the Anadromous fish. How?
How does the diversity in habitats allow a distinct domination for Teleost fishes?
How does the diversity in habitats allow a distinct domination for Teleost fishes?
If mucus glands are a significant factor for jawless fish, what importance does slime sacks provide for the survival of a hagfish?
If mucus glands are a significant factor for jawless fish, what importance does slime sacks provide for the survival of a hagfish?
In Osteichthyes, one main distinction was skeletal development along with toothless jaws in some. How might that impact survival?
In Osteichthyes, one main distinction was skeletal development along with toothless jaws in some. How might that impact survival?
Amphibians typically sport 10 cranial nerves, excluding other classes. If there is a deviation in humans compared to them, what does that indicate?
Amphibians typically sport 10 cranial nerves, excluding other classes. If there is a deviation in humans compared to them, what does that indicate?
If amphibians are vulnerable, what makes pollution stand out as a main reason?
If amphibians are vulnerable, what makes pollution stand out as a main reason?
Amphibians can be legless, or have reduced limbs. A broad example of what these creatures are can be referred to as?
Amphibians can be legless, or have reduced limbs. A broad example of what these creatures are can be referred to as?
Within Class Amphibia, the most diverse group.
Within Class Amphibia, the most diverse group.
Family Hynobiidae is distinguished from other members by the character?
Family Hynobiidae is distinguished from other members by the character?
Order Gymnophiona is distinguished from other members by the character?
Order Gymnophiona is distinguished from other members by the character?
What is the function of the spine that some members of class fish have?
What is the function of the spine that some members of class fish have?
What allows amphibians to keep a balance when hunting for their prey?
What allows amphibians to keep a balance when hunting for their prey?
What is a true threat to amphibians?
What is a true threat to amphibians?
Lobe fins are an instrumental step as an adaptation tool. One example of a group of fish with this is known as.
Lobe fins are an instrumental step as an adaptation tool. One example of a group of fish with this is known as.
Why is Batrachology and Herpetology separated? (some toothless); jaws present.
Why is Batrachology and Herpetology separated? (some toothless); jaws present.
How does the presence of a complete digestive system in chordates influence nutrient processing and waste elimination, contrasting with organisms lacking full compartmentalization?
How does the presence of a complete digestive system in chordates influence nutrient processing and waste elimination, contrasting with organisms lacking full compartmentalization?
If a fish primarily thrives in brackish water, what adaptive challenges does it face compared to freshwater or saltwater fish?
If a fish primarily thrives in brackish water, what adaptive challenges does it face compared to freshwater or saltwater fish?
How might the rapacious feeding habit observed in certain fish directly influence the structure and stability of lower trophic levels within their aquatic ecosystem?
How might the rapacious feeding habit observed in certain fish directly influence the structure and stability of lower trophic levels within their aquatic ecosystem?
Regarding the Agnatha class, how does external fertilization influence the evolutionary trajectory?
Regarding the Agnatha class, how does external fertilization influence the evolutionary trajectory?
What implications arise when the hagfish defense mechanism of copious slime production interacts with deep-sea ecosystems under varying environmental conditions?
What implications arise when the hagfish defense mechanism of copious slime production interacts with deep-sea ecosystems under varying environmental conditions?
How does the presence of placoid scales in Chondrichthyes affect their energy expenditure during swimming compared to fish with other scale types?
How does the presence of placoid scales in Chondrichthyes affect their energy expenditure during swimming compared to fish with other scale types?
Assuming the operculum in Osteichthyes was absent, what regulatory trade-offs might influence the fish's capacity to sustain respiration given varying water oxygen levels?
Assuming the operculum in Osteichthyes was absent, what regulatory trade-offs might influence the fish's capacity to sustain respiration given varying water oxygen levels?
How does the electroreceptive capability of the rostral organ in coelacanths influence their feeding strategies in the varied and dimly lit bathyal zones?
How does the electroreceptive capability of the rostral organ in coelacanths influence their feeding strategies in the varied and dimly lit bathyal zones?
Considering the gar's preference for specific backwater habitats, what ecological consequences stem from habitat destruction affecting genetic diversity?
Considering the gar's preference for specific backwater habitats, what ecological consequences stem from habitat destruction affecting genetic diversity?
How does the evolution of digits in tetrapods alter locomotor function compared to the use patterns seen in aquatic sarcopterygian ancestors?
How does the evolution of digits in tetrapods alter locomotor function compared to the use patterns seen in aquatic sarcopterygian ancestors?
If early amphibian ancestors had reduced reliance on fully aquatic environments, what morphological and physiological adaptations would arise during metamorphosis?
If early amphibian ancestors had reduced reliance on fully aquatic environments, what morphological and physiological adaptations would arise during metamorphosis?
How does the presence of poison glands in some amphibian species affect the dynamics of predator-prey interactions within their ecological niche?
How does the presence of poison glands in some amphibian species affect the dynamics of predator-prey interactions within their ecological niche?
How does the terrestrial lifestyle constraint restrict geographical diversification for the Cryptobranchoidea, relative to the Salamandroidea whose metamorphosis typically enables an increase in environmental diversity?
How does the terrestrial lifestyle constraint restrict geographical diversification for the Cryptobranchoidea, relative to the Salamandroidea whose metamorphosis typically enables an increase in environmental diversity?
What is the fitness cost associated with tail autotomy in salamanders regarding long-term survival?
What is the fitness cost associated with tail autotomy in salamanders regarding long-term survival?
How can thyroid hormone exposure in the axolotl impact ecosystems?
How can thyroid hormone exposure in the axolotl impact ecosystems?
How can the parental care behavior in the midwife toad alter the development of their offspring?
How can the parental care behavior in the midwife toad alter the development of their offspring?
Considering their dependence on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, what specific physiological trade-offs affect the survival tactics of larval versus adult amphibians?
Considering their dependence on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, what specific physiological trade-offs affect the survival tactics of larval versus adult amphibians?
Suppose climate change leads to prolonged heatwaves, what ecological consequences might restrict color-changing abilities of the Hyperolius viridiflavus, causing higher mortality rates?
Suppose climate change leads to prolonged heatwaves, what ecological consequences might restrict color-changing abilities of the Hyperolius viridiflavus, causing higher mortality rates?
If translucent skin in glass frogs reduces predation, what compensatory challenges do these frogs encounter relating to physiological regulation?
If translucent skin in glass frogs reduces predation, what compensatory challenges do these frogs encounter relating to physiological regulation?
If cod populations decline dramatically, what ecosystem shifts and trophic cascades develop in marine systems?
If cod populations decline dramatically, what ecosystem shifts and trophic cascades develop in marine systems?
Flashcards
Chordate Characteristics
Chordate Characteristics
Having bilateral symmetry and a segmented body. They have a notochord, a tubular nerve cord, pharyngeal gill slits, and a postanal tail.
Pharyngeal gill slits
Pharyngeal gill slits
Present at some stage in life cycle, may or may not be functional
Postanal tail
Postanal tail
Usually projecting beyond the anus at some stage.
Fish Habitats
Fish Habitats
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Fish nutrition
Fish nutrition
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Jawless Fishes (Agnatha)
Jawless Fishes (Agnatha)
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Hagfishes (Myxiniformes)
Hagfishes (Myxiniformes)
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Cartilaginous Fishes (Chondrichthyes)
Cartilaginous Fishes (Chondrichthyes)
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Heterocercal
Heterocercal
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Placoid scales
Placoid scales
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Chimaeras (Halocephali)
Chimaeras (Halocephali)
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Teleosts (Teleostei)
Teleosts (Teleostei)
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Acipenseriformes
Acipenseriformes
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General Characteristics of Amphibians
General Characteristics of Amphibians
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Lobe-finned fish (Sarcopterygii)
Lobe-finned fish (Sarcopterygii)
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Salamanders (Urodela, Caudata)
Salamanders (Urodela, Caudata)
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Hynobiidae family
Hynobiidae family
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Cryptobranchidae family
Cryptobranchidae family
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Frogs and toads (Anura)
Frogs and toads (Anura)
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Bombina family
Bombina family
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Pelobates family
Pelobates family
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Study Notes
- The lecture covers fishes and amphibians with distribution and variety.
- Both fall under the Phylum Chordata.
Phylum Chordata Characteristics
- Bilateral body symmetry that is segmented
- Notochord, a skeletal rod, is present at some life stage
- Tubular nerve cord with an anterior end usually enlarged to form a brain
- Pharyngeal gill slits present at some life stage, which may/ may not be functional
- Postanal tail usually projects beyond the anus at some stage
- Heart, with dorsal and ventral blood vessel, closed blood system
- Complete digestive system
- Skeleton present and well developed in some vertebrates
- Cartilage or bony endoskeleton in most members (vertebrates)
What is a Fish?
- Poikilothermic animals that have fins, gills, and scales
- There are approximately 28,000 – 30,000 species of fish
- 60% of living fishes are primarily marine and reside in saltwater
- The remainder lives in freshwater
- About 1% move between saltwater and freshwater as a normal part of their life cycle
Fish Habitats
- Can live in freshwater
- Others live in saltwater
- Brackish water habitats also support fish
Fish Nutrition
- Benthophags consume organisms that live on the bottom of bodies of water
- Planktophags feed on plankton
- Some fish are rapacious and eat other animals
Fish Classification
- Agnatha = Lampreys and Hagfishes
- Chondrichthyes = Sharks and Rays
- Osteichthyes = Sturgeons, Paddlefish, Gars, Bowfins, Teleosts
Superclass Jawless Fishes (Agnatha)
- Slender, eel-like, rounded bodies with soft skin with mucous glands but no scales.
- Sucker-like oral disc.
- Digestive system without a stomach.
- External fertilization
Order Hagfishes (Myxiniformes)
- Hagfishes have an endearing habit of entering a dead or dying fish or other animal via some orifice or by digging through the skin, and then consuming their prey from the inside, leaving only the skin and bones and making burial at sea a less than appealing proposition.
Order Lampreys (Petromyzontiformes)
- Includes the sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus)
- Includes the European river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis)
Class Cartilaginous Fishes (Chondrichthyes)
- Sharks, rays, and chimaeras are examples of cartilaginous fish.
Types of Fins
- Dorsal Fin
- Caudal Fin
- Pectoral Fin
- Anal Fin
- Pelvic Fin
- Adipose Fin
Types of Caudal Fins
- Heterocercal
- Protocercal
- Homocercal
- Diphycercal
Types of Fish Scales
- Placoid scales on sharks and rays
Great White Shark
- Belongs to the Class Cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
- About 950 species total
- Genus is Carcharodon carcharias
Rabbit Fish
- Belongs to the Class Cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
- About 950 species total
- Genus is Chimaera monstrosa
Southern Stingray
- Belongs to the Class Cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes)
- About 950 species total
- Genus is Dasyatis americana
Order Sharks (Selachiformes) Diversity
- Whale shark is the largest at 46 ft.
- Basking shark is 33 ft.
- Great white shark is 23 ft.
- Megamouth shark is 15 ft.
- Nurse shark is 13 ft.
- Mako shark is 8 ft.
- Blacktip reef shark size 6.5 ft.
- Bonnethead shark is 3.4 ft.
- Dwarf lantern shark is 6 inches
Subdivision Rays (Batoidea) and Order (Rajiformes)
- Eagle ray (Myliobatis) is an example
Subclass Chimaeras (Halocephali)
- Spotted Ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei) is an example
Superclass Bony Fish (Osteichthyes)
- Skeleton is more or less bony and represents the primitive skeleton with numerous vertebrae
- The notochord may persist in part, and the tail is usually homocercal
- Three types of embedded dermal scales exist (ganoid, cycloid, ctenoid) and some have no scales or placoid scales
- Fins are both median and paired with fin rays of cartilage or bone
- Terminal mouth with many teeth (some toothless), and jaws are present
- Respiration occurs by gills that are supported by bony gill arches and covered by a common operculum
- There is often a swim bladder with/without a duct connected to the pharynx
Types of Scales
- Ctenoid scales
- Cycloid scales
- Ganoid scales
- Placoid scales
SuperClass Bony Fish (Osteichthyes) Classes
- Lobe-finned fishes (Sarcopterygii)
- Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)
Class Lobe-Finned Fish (Sarcopterygii)
- Lobe-finned fishes have nostrils (choanae) that opens into the mouth with lungs and gills and paired lobed fins
- Subclass Coelacanths (Coelacanthimorpha)
- Subclass Lungfish (Dipnoi)
Subclass. Coelacanths (Coelacanthimorpha) /Order Coelacanthiformes
- Coelacanths in many respects more specialized than other sarcopterygians, possessing a unique spiny rather than a lobate first dorsal fin; a three-lobed caudal fin with a middle fleshy, fringed lobe; a rostral organ involving a rostral cavity with several openings on the snout associated with electroreception
- A small, endangered population of 200 – 600 fish
Subclass Dipnoi
- Order Lungfishes (Ceratodontiformes)
- African Lungfish (Protopterus annectens)
Class Ray-Finned Fishes (Actinopterygii)
- Order Acipenseriformes
- Sturgeons and paddlefishes (Acipenseridae)
Family Sturgeon (Acipenseridae)
- Caviar comes from sturgeon
- White Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus)
Order Lepisosteiformes
- Family Gar (Lepisosteidae)
- All seven species of living gars typically inhabit backwater areas of the lakes and rivers, such as oxbows and bayous
- Aligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula)
Order Amiiformes
- Family Bowfin (Amiidae)
- Bowfin are living relics
- Long, soft-rayed dorsal fin arches in a bow over most of the body
- Very long dorsal fin helps in identification
- Generally, they are a scarce fish of no commercial value
- Bowfin (Amia calva) is an example
Division Teleosts (Teleostei)
- "Perfect bone" fishes; referring to their evolutionary position as the most advanced of the living bony fish.
- Flying fish (Exocoetus volitans)
- Swordfish (Xiphias gladius)
- Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
- Barrel-eye (Opisthoproctus soleatus)
- Ocean sunfish (Mola mola)
Superorder Teleosts (Teleostei) Order Eels (Anguiliformes)
- European eel (Anguilla anguilla)
- Short-finned eel (Anguilla australis australis)
- Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
- Sea eel (Conger conger)
SperOrder Clupeiformes Examples
- Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
- Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras)
- Sprat (Sprattus sprattus balticus)
- Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus)
- Twaite shad (Alosa fallax)
Order. Salmonids (Salmoniformes) Suborder: Salmonoidei, and Osmeroidei
- Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus)
- Whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus)
- Salmon (Salmo salar)
- Trout (Salmo trutta)
Order Cypriniformes Family Cyprinidae
- Roach (Rutilus rutilus)
- Bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus)
- Barbel (Barbus barbus)
- Bleak (Alburnus alburnus)
- Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
- Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus)
Order Catfishes (Siluriformes)
- Asian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)
- Electrical catfish (Malapterurus electricus)
- Wels (Silurus glanis)
Order Gadiforms (Gadiformes)
- Some of the most important commercial fishes in the world, such as the cods, haddocks, hakes, pollocks, and whiting’s.
- Burbot (Lota lota)
- Cod (Gadus morhua)
Order Perchlike Fishes (Perciformes)
- Barramundi Cod (Cromileptes altivelis)
- Perch (Perca fluviatilis)
- Pike Perch (Sander lucioperca)
Order. Scorpaeniforms (Scorpaeniformes)
- Bullhead (bullhead sculpin) (Cottus gobio)
- Bull-rout (short-spined scorpion) (Myoxocephalus scorpius)
- Lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus)
Order Flatfishes and Twisted Jaws (Pleuronectiformes)
- Turbot (Psetta maxima)
- Flounder (Platichthys flesus)
Amphibians
- Include salamanders, frogs/toads, and caecilians
Facts About Amphibians
- Existed on Earth for 300 million years
- Total number of known amphibian species is approximately 7,000, of which nearly 90% are frogs
- Highest diversity is in the tropics
- Batrachology is the study of amphibians
- Herpetology is the study of both reptiles and amphibians
Smallest Amphibian
- A frog from New Guinea (Paedophryne amauensis)
- It has a length of just 7.7 mm
- This is also the world's smallest vertebrate
- Discovered in August 2009
Largest Amphibian
- Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus)
- It can be up to 1.8 meters and weigh 65 kg
General Characteristics of Amphibians
- Bony skeleton with fully ossified vertebra with articular processes.
- Short ribs, may be fused to the vertebra.
- Broad and short skulls that are often incompletely ossified.
- Tetrapods (though some are legless or have reduced limbs).
- Ectothermic.
- No exoskeleton or scales.
- Smooth skin that contains many mucous glands, and in some species, poison glands.
- Respiration by gills, lungs, and skin.
- Buccal pumping.
- Three-chambered heart, two atria and one ventricle.
- Usually large mouth with small teeth in upper/ or both jaws.
- Muscular tongues, which can be protruded in many species.
- They have urinary bladders and excrete urea as waste.
- Ten pairs of cranial nerves.
- Separate sexes
- Fertilization mostly internal in salamanders and caecilians, but mostly external in frogs and toads
- Water or moist environments required for reproduction
Order: Salamanders (Urodela, Caudata)
Order: Frogs, toads (Anura)
Order: Caecilians (Gymnophiona)
Classification details
- Salamanders (Urodela/Caudata) has 10 Families, 67 Genera, 642 Species
- Frogs and toads (Anura) has 54 Families, 437 Genera, 6248 Species
- Caecilians (Gymnophiona/Apoda) has 10 Families, 35 Genera, 192 Species
Salamanders – Urodela/Caudata Suborders
- Cryptobranchoidea: Primitive salamanders.
- Salamandroidea: Advanced salamanders.
- Sirenoidea: Contains four eel-like species of sirens.
Salamanders (Order Urodela, Caudata)
- Long tails and two pairs of limbs of about equal size (hindlimbs absent in Sirenidae).
- Found in almost all temperate and tropical regions of the world.
- Primitive limbs set at right angles to the body, with forelimbs and hindlimbs of approximately equal size.
- Some limbs are rudimentary.
- Carnivorous, preying on worms, small arthropods, and small molluscs.
- Ectotherms with a low metabolic rate.
- Fertilization is internal, usually after the female picks up a packet of sperm (spermatophore) that previously has been deposited by the male on a leaf or stick.
- The skin secretes mucus, which keeps the animal moist on dry land and maintains their salt balance
- They can secrete poison
- They shed their outer skin regularly as they grow and eat it
- Bright colours warn predators that they are poisonous
- Terrestrial or aquatic, or both.
- Most species fertilize their eggs internally, with the male salamander depositing a sac of sperm in the female's cloaca.
- The larval stage may last anything from days to years, depending on the species.
- Some remain in the larva stage all their lives.
- Low metabolic rate, food and energy requirements are therefore limited.
- Sticky tongue and small, sharp teeth.
- Carnivorous – prey on worms, small arthropods, and small molluscs.
- Some species can lose their tail in defense against predators which is called autotomy
- The tail then grows back in a few weeks
Family Hynobiidae characteristics
- Metamorphosis is complete.
- Adults have eyelids and no gill slits and larvae have four pairs of gill slits.
- Hynobiids are small to moderate sized salamanders.
- Larvae have external gills and caudal fins
Family Cryptobranchidae characteristics
- Salamandra Gigante (Megalobatrachus japonicus).
- Metamorfhosis is incomplete.
- Adults lack eyelids and have one pair of gill slits.
- These huge aquatic salamanders have depressed bodies and fleshy dermal folds.
- Larvae have caudal fins and short gills.
Facts about Salamanders
- Most salamanders are under 15 cm long.
- The smallest is Thorius pennatulus, which is only 2 cm long and the biggest is the Chinese Giant salamander, Andrias davidianus, which can be up to 180 cm.
Mexican Axolotl Facts
- They stay in larva stage throughout adult life -neoteny.
- They may metamorphose to adults if environmental conditions change
- Can be made to metamorphose by treatment with the thyroid hormone thyroxine
- Can live up to 15 years.
- Critically endangered.
- Popular in aquariums.
- Roasted axolotls are a delicacy in Mexico
Family Ambystomatidae
- Leucistic Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) belong to this family
Mount Lyell Salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus)
- Discovered in 1915.
- Only lives in the United States.
- No lungs.
- Special type of locomotion.
Family Proteiids (Proteidae)
- Proteus attains a total length of ~300mm
- Necturus reaches 400 mm, a robust body, four digits on all feet, pigmented skin, and small/ normal eyes
- Proteus anguinerus
Family Sirenidae has Greater Siren (Siren lacertina)
Examples from the Family Salamandridae
- Black Alpine Salamander (Salamandra atra)
- Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
- Great Crested newt (Triturus cristatus)
- Smooth newt (Triturus vulgaris)
Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
- Largest land-dwelling salamander.
- 15-20 cm, up to 35 cm.
- Usually brown with brilliant yellow stripes. Can also be grey, green or black
- Eats insects and worms but can also eat small frogs and baby mice
Warty Newt (Triturus cristatus)
- Largest salamander in Europe.
- Endangered.
- Can live up to 37 years.
- Also called Great Crested Newt because males develop a crest during mating season.
Family Lungless salamander (Plethodontidae)
- Woodland salamanders (Plethodon cinereus)
- Grotto Salamander (Typhlotriton spelaeus)
Family Amphiuma includes
- Amphiuma means
Order Gymnophiona, Family Caecilians (Caeciliidae) species
- Ceylon caecilian (Ichthyophis glutinosus)
- Ringed Caecilian (Siphonops annulatus)
Order: Frogs and Salamanders (Anura) Physiology
- Long and forward sloping ilium
- Fused tailbone (urostyle or coccyx)
- No tail (except in larvae)
- Shorter forelimb than hindlimb
- Elongate ankle bones
Frogs and Toads Characteristics
- One of the most diverse vertebrate groups as they have over 6000 species
- Can be found anywhere from the tropics to subarctic regions
- Live in water, dry land, underground or in trees
- Skin is semi-permeable, making them sensitive to dehydration
- Have well-developed vocal cords used primarily by males to attract females
- Fertilization is external
Frog Life Cycle
- They lay their eggs in water
- Eggs hatch into aquatic larvae, called tadpoles, that have tails and internal gills
- The life cycle is completed when they metamorphose into adults
Examples of Family Disc-Tongued Frogs (Discoglossidae)
- Barbourula busuangensis
- European Fire-bellied Toad (Bombina bombina)
- Common midwife toad (Alytes obstetricans)
Spadefoot toads Family
- Pelobatidae
Family Toads (Bufonidae)
- European toad (Bufo bufo)
- Natterjack (running toad) (Bufo calamita)
Family "Tree frogs" (Hylidae)
- Most hylids show adaptations suitable for an arboreal lifestyle, including forward-facing eyes providing binocular vision, and adhesive pads on the fingers and toes
- Common tree frog (Hyla arborea)
- Gastrotheca marsupiata
- Waxy Monkey Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa)
Family: Mouth-brooding Frogs (Rhinodermatidae)
- Contain Darwin's frogs as part of this family
- (Rhinoderma darwini)
Family: True frogs (Ranidae)
- Marsh frog (Rana ridibunda)
- Edible frog (Rana esculenta)
- Giant frog (Gigantorana goliath)
- Moor frog (Rana arvalis)
- Grass frog (Rana temporaria)
Family Shrub frogs (Rhacophoridae)
- Tree frogs are most closely related to true frogs (Ranidae) but seem to be the ecological equivalents of New World Hylids by being arboreal and having enlarged toe discs at the ends of the fingers to aid in climbing
- Flying Frog (Rhacophorus reinwardti)
COOL SPECIES
- Biggest frog in the world is the African Goliath frog (Conraua goliath)
- It can be up to 35 cm long and weigh 3 kg
- They can even have green bones.
Class frogs Family Centrolenidae
- The abdominal skin is translucent, and the internal viscera isVisible through the skin
- Frogs in this family are called "glass frogs"
Common reed frog (Hyperolius viridiflavus)
- Found in forests and savannahs in Africa
- Can change sex (from female to male) when there are not enough males in the popuation
- The text provides an example of a frog covered in ice while hibernating while another one is shown close up
- In 1930 frogs were used in pregnancy tests, where the woman's urine was injected, and if pregnant the frog laid eggs/ produced sperm
Lithuanian Amphibians
- There are 13 species in Lithuania
- Example native species are: Smooth Newt(Triturus vulgaris) and Crested and Warty Newts (T. cristatus)
Appearance
- Common Newt: Six to eleven cm long; females are bigger than males.
- Brownish, yellowy-brownish tail in spots
- Abdomen is orange, in spots. Crest is present only in males. Tail is longer than the body.
- Common Newt: Widely spread all over territory, and common, found frequently in the water
- Resident Biology (Common Newt): Water dwelling copulating active nights
- Consumes worms, beetles, buterrfly caterpillars (on land) and aquatic insect larvae, primitive crustaceans and small fish and frogs for food, sleeps at during the winter season
- Crested Newt: Can grow from eleven to fifteen cm long, and is bigger than Common Newt
- Is black, with brown markings
- Abdomen is orange with black spots, only females have crests.
- They are widely spread and known as the third year of puberty
- These Newts, if not in water already, swim during the spring season
- And fall asleep in the winter season.
Lithuanian Frogs include
- Rana temporaria (Common Frog)
- Rana arvalis (Moor Frog)
- Rana ridibunda (Marsh Frog)
- Rana lessonae (Pool Frog)
- Rana esculenta (Edible Frog)
- Bombina bombina (Fire-Bellied Toad)
- Hyla arborea (Common Trea Frog)
- Bufo bufo (European Toad)
- Bufo viridis (Green Toad)
- Bufo calamita (Natterjack Toad)
- Pelobates fuscus (European Spadefoot)
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