Nervous Systems Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following characteristics is not typical of birds?

  • Endothermic with a high metabolic rate
  • Strong, lightweight skeleton
  • Bipedal with wings modified from arms
  • Laid eggs with a soft outer shell (correct)

What is the purpose of asymmetrical feathers in modern birds?

  • Attraction during mating
  • Efficient flight (correct)
  • Insulation
  • Camouflage

Which type of feather serves primarily to protect the eyes and face?

  • Bristles (correct)
  • Downy feathers
  • Contour feathers
  • Remiges

What is the evolutionary process through which feathers developed for insulation later became used for flight?

<p>Exaptation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the calamus in a feather?

<p>To connect the feather to the follicle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During feather development, which of the following is the last stage of growth that involves the formation of hooklets?

<p>Interlocking of barbules (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these features is characteristic of modern birds that aids in flight?

<p>Fusion of clavicles (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of feather is primarily responsible for covering a bird's body and providing protection?

<p>Contour feathers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes ratites in terms of their physical abilities?

<p>They are flightless birds. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of dentition do mammals exhibit?

<p>Diphyodont dentition with two sets of teeth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes synapsids from other groups of reptiles?

<p>Single temporal opening. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of eutherian gestation compared to marsupial gestation?

<p>Eutherian gestation facilitates nutrient transfer from mother to embryo. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bones contributes to the middle ear in mammals?

<p>Incus bone. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is shared by both ancestral primates and the 'Ida' specimen?

<p>Binocular vision (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is unique to New World monkeys compared to Old World monkeys?

<p>Broad flat nasal septum (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining trait of therapsids within the evolutionary history of mammals?

<p>Larger dentary bone and differentiated teeth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'Out of Africa' theory suggest about human evolution?

<p>All races of humans evolved from an ancestor in Africa (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which locomotion mode do ungulates primarily use?

<p>Walking on hooves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do prolactin and oxytocin play in lactation?

<p>Stimulate milk production and delivery. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nervous system structure involves a brain and a dorsal nerve cord?

<p>Chordata (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the sensory input function in a nervous system?

<p>Conduction of signals from sensory receptors (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is a significant feature of Homo genus?

<p>Use of complex tools (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary advantage does bipedalism provide?

<p>Improved lookout for predators (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes apes from other primates?

<p>Larger brain size (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skeletal structure is present in Arthropoda?

<p>Exoskeleton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primarily allows the formation of cross-bridges in muscle contraction?

<p>Calcium ions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which muscle type do fibers contract rapidly and powerfully?

<p>Fast muscle fibers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the I band and H zone during muscle contraction?

<p>They decrease in size (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following forces must locomotion overcome?

<p>Both gravity and friction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structural unit of muscle contraction?

<p>Sarcomere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of locomotion is generally considered the most costly per minute?

<p>Flight (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do myofibrils consist of?

<p>Myofilaments including both thick and thin filaments (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about monotremes?

<p>They lay leathery eggs and have a true cloaca. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the placenta of marsupials?

<p>It has a rudimentary connection between the yolk sac and maternal tissue. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do eutherians differ in reproductive structure compared to marsupials?

<p>Eutherians have a single reproductive tract with one vagina. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant biogeographical event for eutherians during the early Paleocene?

<p>Dinosaurs became extinct, leading to their radiation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT characteristic of marsupials?

<p>Large braincase relative to body size. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the body temperature of eutherians?

<p>Around 38°C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the reproductive structures of eutherians?

<p>They possess two uteri similar to marsupials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the evolutionary history of eutherians?

<p>They experienced wide distribution following the extinction of dinosaurs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do Schwann cells play in the nervous system?

<p>They are responsible for forming the myelin sheath in the peripheral nervous system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of an action potential do most sodium activation gates open?

<p>Rising phase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of astrocytes in the central nervous system?

<p>They provide structural support and create tight junctions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the undershoot phase of an action potential?

<p>The membrane potential becomes more negative than the resting state. (A), Sodium channels are inactive, while potassium channels are fully open. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the threshold potential in neuronal signaling?

<p>The minimum depolarization required to initiate an action potential. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes saltatory conduction?

<p>It allows action potential to jump between nodes of Ranvier, speeding signal transmission. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sodium-potassium pump in neurons?

<p>It maintains the negative charge inside the neuron at rest. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do electrical synapses communicate signals between neurons?

<p>By direct transfer of ions through gap junctions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of flocking behavior in birds?

<p>Easier predator detection (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which breeding system is most common among bird species?

<p>Monogamy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is characteristic of altricial young birds?

<p>They require significant parental care (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature of calls in birds?

<p>They are simple vocalizations for various activities (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What advantage does flocking provide in terms of foraging?

<p>Increased efficiency in finding food (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario is polyandry observed among bird species?

<p>When females mate with more than one male (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of flocking?

<p>Increased visibility to predators (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of song in attracting a mate?

<p>To establish territory boundaries (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes eutherians from marsupials in terms of the placenta?

<p>Eutherians have an umbilical cord for nutrient exchange. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is characteristic of the reproductive anatomy in marsupials?

<p>Bifurcated reproductive tract in females. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate body temperature of monotremes?

<p>32°C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of evolutionary history, when did eutherians begin to achieve wide distribution?

<p>Early Paleocene. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the yolk sac function in marsupial development?

<p>It provides nutrients to the developing embryo. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is NOT true for marsupials?

<p>They possess a baculum. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic describes the body temperature of eutherians?

<p>Approximately 38°C. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature differentiates eutherians' reproductive structures from those of marsupials?

<p>Eutherians have a separate urinary opening. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between marsupials and eutherians in terms of birth and development?

<p>Marsupials have prolonged lactation periods compared to eutherians. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is characteristic of mammalian synapsids?

<p>Single lower jaw bone (mandible). (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes the neocortex region of the brain in mammals?

<p>It plays a crucial role in higher-order brain functions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key evolutionary adaptation of therapsids compared to their ancestors?

<p>Further differentiation of teeth including canines and incisors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the modes of locomotion differ among mammals?

<p>Digitigrade locomotion allows for faster speeds compared to plantigrade. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes mammals from reptiles regarding jaw structure?

<p>Mammals possess a single bone structure in the lower jaw. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do mammary glands play in the development of young mammals?

<p>Nutritional support and transmission of passive immunity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the characteristic dentition of cynodonts?

<p>Development of a hinge between the dentary and squamosal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of oligodendrocytes in the nervous system?

<p>Form the myelin sheath in the brain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the action potential propagate along the neuron?

<p>It jumps from node to node in a process known as saltatory conduction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the falling phase of an action potential?

<p>Inactivation gates on sodium channels are closing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do Schwann cells play in the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

<p>Create the myelin sheath in the PNS (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what state is a neuron when both sodium and potassium activation gates are closed?

<p>Resting state (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for an action potential to fire?

<p>The threshold potential must be reached (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs at the nodes of Ranvier during saltatory conduction?

<p>Action potentials are generated rapidly (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of neuron primarily transmits signals from sensory receptors to the central nervous system?

<p>Sensory neurons (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of skeleton is primarily characteristic of Arthropoda?

<p>Exoskeleton (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pair of forces must be overcome for efficient locomotion?

<p>Gravity and friction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do calcium ions play in muscle contraction?

<p>They allow cross-bridges to form between actin and myosin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During muscle contraction, which of the following bands decreases in size?

<p>H Zone (A), I Band (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of muscle fibers provide rapid and powerful contractions?

<p>Fast muscle fibers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic functional unit of muscle tissue?

<p>Sarcomere (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the sliding filament model, which component is responsible for creating cross-bridges?

<p>Myosin heads (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly describes the characteristic of larger animals in terms of locomotion efficiency?

<p>They can travel more efficiently than smaller animals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ciliary muscle in the eye?

<p>To control the shape of the lens for focusing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following structures is responsible for detecting sound vibrations in the ear?

<p>Organ of Corti (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do opsins play in the evolution of the eye?

<p>They are involved in light detection processes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of vision problem is caused by an eye that is too long, resulting in a focal point in front of the fovea?

<p>Myopia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organs is NOT part of the inner ear?

<p>Tympanic membrane (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature of the retina can lead to a blind spot in vision?

<p>Nerve fibers exiting the eye (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is characteristic of compound eyes found in certain arthropods?

<p>Multiple ommatidia for detecting movement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of hearing, what determines the pitch of a sound?

<p>Frequency of the sound wave (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features helps reduce the weight of birds for flight?

<p>Hollow bones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose did the early feathers serve before being adapted for flight?

<p>For insulation and attraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure that forms the main shaft of a feather called?

<p>Rachis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of feather development involves the formation of interlocking hooklets?

<p>Fifth stage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations is NOT associated with the evolution of flight in birds?

<p>Presence of teeth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of contour feathers on a bird?

<p>Cover the body and protect (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary evolutionary origin of modern birds?

<p>Theropod dinosaurs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Filoplume feathers primarily serve which of the following functions?

<p>Sensory perception (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of molting for birds?

<p>Provides new, bright feathers for breeding. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of migration involves birds remaining in the same location throughout the year?

<p>Residents. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant characteristic of biochrome pigments in feathers?

<p>Reflect specific wavelengths of light based on their chemical structure. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is primarily involved in the downstroke during bird flight?

<p>Pectoralis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In structural coloration, what phenomenon contributes to the vibrant colors seen in certain feathers?

<p>Reflective interference due to microscopic structures. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the keel play in birds?

<p>Acts as a flight muscle attachment point. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of foot arrangement allows for the most stability when perching, as seen in woodpeckers?

<p>Zygodactylie. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary cost associated with the molting process in birds?

<p>Energetically demanding process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of flocking for birds?

<p>More efficient foraging for food (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which breeding system is characterized by shared parental care and a lack of additional mating opportunities?

<p>Monogamy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of mate attraction does the 'lek' system emphasize?

<p>Communal displays by males (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What developmental stage characterizes altricial birds?

<p>Young are immobile and need extensive parental care (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about songbirds is true?

<p>Songs are crucial for territorial defense and male quality display. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy describes the parental care in species with polygynandry?

<p>Several males and females collectively raising young (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What allows perching birds to maintain a secure grip while resting?

<p>A specialized tendon mechanism in the foot (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature that distinguishes mammals from reptiles?

<p>Single lower jaw bone (A), Three middle ear bones (B), Presence of hair (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of eutherian gestation compared to that of marsupials?

<p>Birth of well-developed young (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which trait is primarily associated with the locomotion of ungulates?

<p>Walking on hooves (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic trait of cynodonts?

<p>Secondary palate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a significant evolutionary transition in the mammalian lineage?

<p>Migration of middle ear bones (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do mammary glands play in lactation?

<p>Provide passive immunity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates plantigrade locomotion from digitigrade locomotion?

<p>Walking with flat feet (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes synapsids from other amniotes?

<p>Possession of differentiated teeth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is unique to Old World monkeys compared to New World monkeys?

<p>External ears close together (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following species is considered a key representative of the Homo genus?

<p>Homo sapiens (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature is associated with the evolution of modern humans according to the Out of Africa theory?

<p>All human races share a common ancestor from Africa (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is a characteristic of the 'Ida' specimen?

<p>Short limbs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term bipedalism refer to in human evolution?

<p>Walking on two legs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is part of the central nervous system (CNS)?

<p>Brain and spinal cord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes Homo sapiens from other hominins like Homo neanderthalensis?

<p>More complex tools (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) from the Central Nervous System (CNS)?

<p>The PNS connects limbs and external sensory organs to the CNS (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of tropomyosin in muscle contraction?

<p>Blocks myosin binding sites (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of skeleton is found in arthropods?

<p>Exoskeleton (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscle fibers are characterized by rapid, powerful contractions?

<p>Fast muscle fibers (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which force does swimming produce less resistance against compared to running?

<p>Friction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which skeletal structure is typical in organisms of the Cnidaria phylum?

<p>Hydrostatic skeleton (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When calcium ions are present in muscle fibers, what effect do they have?

<p>Promote the formation of cross-bridges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure serves as the basic functioning unit of muscle contraction?

<p>Sarcomere (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bird Evolution

Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, adapting features for flight and other survival needs.

Key Adaptations for Flight

Hollow bones, fused clavicles (furcula), and feather development are key to bird flight.

Feather Structure

Feathers consist of a calamus, rachis, barbs, barbules, and a vane.

Contour Feathers

Protective feathers covering the body of a bird

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Flight Feathers (Remiges/Retrices)

Specialized contour feathers on wings (remiges) and tail (rectrices) for flight.

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Plumulaceous feathers

Feathers lacking hooklets, under contour feathers for insulation, and sensory.

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Evolution of the Feather

Feathers evolved from scales, first for insulation then co-opted for display and later flight.

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Five States of Feather Development

Feather structure development from simple filament to complex structures with hooklets for flight.

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What are Ratites?

Ratites are flightless birds, like ostriches and emus. They have a flat breastbone (not keeled) and strong legs for running.

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What are Carinates?

Carinates are birds with a keeled breastbone (sternum), which provides attachment for flight muscles.

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What is Brood Parasitism?

Brood parasitism is a strategy where a bird lays its eggs in another bird's nest, allowing the foster parents to raise the young.

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Synapsids

Synapsids are a group of amniotes characterized by a single temporal opening (fenestra) in the skull.

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Therapsids

Therapsids are a group of synapsids with further differentiation of teeth into canines and incisors. They also have a larger dentary bone.

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Cynodonts

Cynodonts are a group of therapsids with cusped teeth, a secondary palate, and a shift in jaw hinge from quadrate-articular to dentary-squamosal.

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Plantigrade locomotion

Plantigrade locomotion is walking on the entire sole of the foot, like humans.

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Digitigrade locomotion

Digitigrade locomotion is walking on the toes with the heel off the ground, like cats and dogs.

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Monotreme Characteristics

Monotremes are mammals that lay eggs and have a cloaca, a single opening for waste and reproduction, and have body temperatures around 32*C.

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Marsupial Characteristics

Marsupials are mammals that have a short gestation period and give birth to relatively undeveloped young, which then complete their development in a pouch.

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Eutherian Characteristics

Eutherians are placental mammals that have a long gestation period and give birth to more developed young.

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Marsupial Placenta

Marsupials have a rudimentary placenta, a short-lived connection between yolk sac and maternal tissue.

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Eutherian Placenta

Eutherians have a complex placenta with a umbilical cord that connects the fetus to the uterus, facilitating efficient nutrient and waste exchange.

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Early Mammal Divergence

Monotremes and marsupials diverged early in mammal evolution, while eutherians diverged later.

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Eutherian Distribution

Eutherians are found globally, having radiated widely after the extinction of dinosaurs.

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Marsupial Distribution

Marsupials are primarily found in Australia and the Americas, reflecting past continental connections.

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Axon

A long, unbranched extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

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Myelin Sheath

A fatty, insulating layer that covers axons, speeding up nerve impulse transmission.

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Node of Ranvier

Gaps between Schwann cells in the myelin sheath, where nerve impulses jump.

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Synaptic Terminals

The endings of neurons, where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with other cells.

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Ganglion

A cluster of nerve cell bodies located in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

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Nuclei

A cluster of nerve cell bodies located in the central nervous system (CNS).

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Membrane Potential

The difference in electrical charge across a neuron's membrane.

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Threshold Potential

The minimum level of depolarization required to trigger an action potential.

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Ancestral Primates

Early primates that lived in trees (arboreal) around 65 million years ago, characterized by binocular vision and opposable thumbs.

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Prosimians

A group of primates including lemurs, tarsiers, and pottos, known for their primitive features compared to monkeys and apes.

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Ida

Ancestral primate fossil found in Germany, dated back 47 million years, considered a significant link between prosimians and later primates.

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Anthropoids

Primates that evolved around 50 million years ago, including monkeys and apes, characterized by larger brains and more complex social behavior.

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Old World Monkeys

Monkeys found in Africa and Asia, featuring close-set ears, opposable thumbs, and a hardened area on their bottom.

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New World Monkeys

Monkeys found in Central and South America, characterized by a flat nose, non-opposable thumb, and a prehensile tail.

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Hominoids

The group of primates including apes and humans, known for their larger brains and lack of tails.

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Bipedalism

The ability to walk upright on two legs, a key adaptation in human evolution that freed our hands and allowed for greater mobility.

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Chemoreception

The sense of smell and taste in invertebrates.

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Tastebuds

Specialized sensory organs for detecting taste in invertebrates. They are typically located on the mouthparts or antennae.

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Hydrostatic Skeleton

A fluid-filled cavity that provides support and allows for movement in invertebrates. This is the skeletal system in animals like earthworms and jellyfish.

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Exoskeletons

A hard, external covering that provides support and protection for invertebrates. This is found in insects, crabs, and snails.

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Endoskeletons

An internal skeleton made of bone or cartilage that provides support and structure for vertebrates. Humans have endoskeletons.

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Antagonistic Muscle Pairs

Two muscles that work opposite of each other to produce movement. One contracts while the other relaxes.

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Sarcomere

The basic functional unit of a muscle fiber. It is the repeating unit of the myofibrils in muscle.

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Sliding Filament Model

The explanation of muscle contraction, where the thin (actin) and thick (myosin) filaments slide past each other, shortening the sarcomere.

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Bird Migration

The seasonal movement of birds between breeding and non-breeding areas, often driven by food availability and climate.

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Flocking Benefits

Flocking provides advantages like increased foraging efficiency, predator protection, and improved mating opportunities for birds.

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Lek Display

A communal area where male birds gather to perform elaborate displays for females, competing for their attention.

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Monogamy (in Birds)

A mating system where a male bird and a female bird pair off exclusively for a breeding season, often sharing parental care.

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Polygyny (in Birds)

A mating system where a male bird has multiple female mates, often controlling resources or territories to attract them.

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Calls vs. Songs (Birds)

Calls are short, simple sounds used for communication, while songs are longer, more complex vocalizations, often used for territorial defense.

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Altricial vs. Precocial (Birds)

Altricial chicks are born helpless and require extensive parental care, while precocial chicks are born mobile with down feathers and require less parental care.

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Perching Bird Adaptation

A special tendon in the leg of perching birds allows their feet to automatically lock around the perch, providing a secure grip.

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Brood Parasitism

When a bird lays its eggs in another bird's nest, making the foster parents raise the young.

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What is a Synapsid?

An amniote with a single temporal opening in the skull, which allowed for more powerful jaw muscles.

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What is a Therapsid?

A type of synapsid with more differentiated teeth (canines and incisors) and a larger dentary bone.

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What is a Cynodont?

A type of therapsid with cusped teeth, a secondary palate, and a shifted jaw hinge that led to the development of the mammalian middle ear.

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What are Axons?

Long, unbranched extensions of a neuron that carry nerve impulses away from the cell body.

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Depolarization

The process of making the interior of a neuron more positive, bringing it closer to firing.

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Action Potential

The rapid electrical signal that travels down an axon, allowing neurons to communicate.

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Thermoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect temperature changes in the environment.

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Electromagnetic Receptors

Sensory receptors that detect electromagnetic radiation, such as light.

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Opsins

Proteins found in photoreceptor cells that are essential for light detection.

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Ocelli

Simple eye cups found in some invertebrates that detect light but lack image formation.

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Compound Eyes

Eyes composed of multiple individual units called ommatidia, which detect movement and provide a mosaic image.

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Sclera

The white, outer layer of the eye that provides structural support.

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Cornea

The clear, transparent front part of the eye that helps focus light.

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Corneal Sheath Degenerates

The outer layer of the cornea, which helps protect the eye, breaks down in open feathers.

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Downy Feathers

Soft, fluffy feathers found beneath contour feathers, providing insulation and warmth.

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Nesting Material

Feathers can be used to create a warm and comfortable nest for eggs and chicks.

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Melanins

Pigments that create brown, black, beige, and gray colors in feathers.

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Carotenoids

Pigments that produce red, yellow, and orange colors in feathers, obtained through diet.

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Constructive Interference

A process where microscopic structures in feathers reflect certain wavelengths of light, producing colors like blue, green, and iridescent hues.

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Molting Benefits

The shedding of feathers allows birds to replace old feathers with new ones, which are often brighter and more attractive for breeding.

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Molting Costs

Molting requires a lot of energy and leaves birds vulnerable to predators because they have fewer feathers.

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Bird's Key Adaptation: Hollow Bones

Birds have hollow bones, making their skeleton lightweight, which is important for flight.

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Bird's Key Adaptation: Fused Clavicles (Furcula)

The clavicles (collarbones) of birds are fused together to form a 'wishbone' (furcula), which strengthens the shoulder joint.

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What are Downy Feathers?

Located under contour feathers, downy feathers are soft and fluffy, providing insulation and warmth.

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Contour Feathers: Remiges

Remiges are the flight feathers on the wings, responsible for lift and propulsion.

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Contour Feathers: Retrices

Retrices are the flight feathers on the tail, used for steering and braking during flight.

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Feather Evolution: Exaptation

Feathers initially evolved for insulation, but later served new purposes like display and flight.

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Feather Development: Stage 4

In feather development, barbules branch out from barbs, forming a more complex structure.

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Feather Development: Stage 5

The final stage of feather development involves hooklets on barbules interlock, forming a strong vane.

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Short Distance Migration

Birds move from higher elevations to lower elevations during the winter to find suitable food and climate.

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Long Distance Migration

Birds travel long distances, often across continents, to reach breeding grounds (summer) or wintering grounds (winter).

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Flocking Advantages

Flocking helps birds find food more easily, protect themselves from predators, attract mates, raise chicks safely, and fly more efficiently.

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Flocking Disadvantages

Flocking can make birds more visible to predators, increase competition for food and mates, and spread diseases more easily.

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Altricial vs. Precocial

Altricial chicks are born helpless and need extensive parental care, while precocial chicks are mobile with downy feathers and need less parental care.

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Ratites

Flightless birds with flat breastbones, strong legs, and adapted for running.

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Carinates

Birds with a keeled breastbone (sternum) that provides attachment for powerful flight muscles.

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Mammary glands

Specialized glands unique to mammals, producing milk to nourish offspring.

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Lactation

The secretion of milk from mammary glands, providing nourishment and passive immunity to offspring.

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Chemoreception in Invertebrates

The ability to detect chemicals in the environment, including taste and smell, which is important for finding food, mates, and avoiding predators.

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Fast and Slow Muscle Fibers

Fast muscle fibers are for rapid, powerful contractions (like flight muscles), while slow muscle fibers are for sustained, long contractions (like abductor muscles).

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Study Notes

Nervous Systems

  • Nervous systems vary Nervous systems vary by phyla, including nerve nets in Cnidarians and Ctenophores, nerve rings in Echinoderms, and bilateral nervous systems with cephalization in more complex organisms, such as Chordates which have a brain and dorsal nerve cord. phyla
  • Nervous systems vary by phyla, including nerve nets in Cnidarians and Ctenophores, nerve rings in Echinoderms, and bilateral systems with cephalization in Chordates, which have a brain and dorsal nerve cord. net: Cnidarians, Ctenophores
  • Nerve ring: Echinoderms
  • Bilateral nervous systems: Cephalization (ganglia or brain), nerve cord
  • Chordates have a brain and dorsal nerve cord

Overview of Nervous System

  • Sensory input: Signals from sensory receptors
  • Integration: Processing of environmental information (CNS)
  • Motor output: Signals to effectors (PNS)

Cells

  • Neurons: Cell body (with nucleus), dendrites (short, branched, toward cell body), axon (long, unbranched, away from cell body)
  • Glia: Supporting cells
    • Astrocytes form blood-brain barrier
    • Radial glia form tracks for neuron development
  • Oligodendrocytes/Schwann cells form myelin sheaths

Neural Signals

  • Membrane potential: Difference in charge across membrane
  • Resting state: Interior negative
  • Threshold potential: Minimum to trigger action potential
  • Depolarization: Interior becomes more positive
  • Action potential: Brief reversal of membrane potential
  • Propagation: Action potential travels down axon
  • Refractory Period: Axon cannot fire during this period

Synaptic Communication

  • Chemical synapses use neurotransmitters
  • Neurotransmitters bind to receptors, opening ion channels
  • Postsynaptic potentials: EPSPs (excitatory), IPSPs (inhibitory)
  • Temporal summation: Multiple signals close together
  • Spatial summation: Multiple signals at different locations

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Related Documents

Bird Evolution PDF

Description

Explore the diverse nervous systems across different phyla, including nerve nets, rings, and bilateral systems. Learn about the structure and function of neurons, supporting glia cells, and the mechanisms behind neural signals. Test your knowledge on sensory input, integration, and motor output in the nervous system.

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