Discuss the role of thermoregulation in tetrapods as an adaptation for life on land. [6] Enzymes serve as catalysts for chemical reactions in the body, and they function more efficiently within select temperature ranges. As such, it is advantageous for vertebrates to maintain a body temperature that is consistently within this ideal range. Thermoregulation is the maintenance of this ideal body temperature range. Aquatic habitats are naturally thermoregulatory due to the ability of water to resist changes in temperature. Terrestrial habitats, by contrast, are prone to greater extremes in temperature.
Describe special adaptations necessary for animals to consume a plant diet. [6] Although plants are abundant in most terrestrial environments, …show more content…
Despite this phenomenon, synapsids were still abundant (and in some cases dominant) throughout the Triassic Period. Therapsid predators remained dominant until the Middle Triassic, when diapsid archosaurs eventually overcame. Therapsid herbivores persisted until the Late Triassic, when both therapsid herbivores and carnivores declined again and nearly disappeared. The rise in diapsid abundance and dominance was coincident with the Triassic synapsid decline. The rise of the diapsids was slow, and is likely attributed to the improved respiration in diapsids provided by their erect gait.
What were the first dinosaurs like and where did they live? [4] The first dinosaurs were the agile, bipedal carnivores, Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor. Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor differed in size (Eoraptor was about one meter in length, Herrerasaurus was between three and six meters in length), but this pair invariably possessed carnivore-like characteristics (grasping, clawed forelimbs and sharp teeth). In their early ecosystems, Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor lived among synapsid and diapsid fauna and comprised around thirty-three percent of local carnivores.
Compare and contrast the two dinosaur clades Ornithischia and the Sauropoda-Theropoda clade. …show more content…
First, as archosaurs, dinosaurs possessed the archosaur respiratory system that is observable in modern birds and crocodiles. Since the one-way archosaur respiratory system is highly-efficient, it could have supplied ample oxygen to support a high metabolism and endothermy in dinosaurs. Second, dinosaurs possess feathers, which would have aided in insulating an internally maintained body temperature and hindered ectothermy. Finally, dinosaurs (in many cases) possess anatomies formidable for rapid movement. Rapid movement is most reliably facilitated in endothermic
Describe special adaptations necessary for animals to consume a plant diet. [6] Although plants are abundant in most terrestrial environments, …show more content…
Despite this phenomenon, synapsids were still abundant (and in some cases dominant) throughout the Triassic Period. Therapsid predators remained dominant until the Middle Triassic, when diapsid archosaurs eventually overcame. Therapsid herbivores persisted until the Late Triassic, when both therapsid herbivores and carnivores declined again and nearly disappeared. The rise in diapsid abundance and dominance was coincident with the Triassic synapsid decline. The rise of the diapsids was slow, and is likely attributed to the improved respiration in diapsids provided by their erect gait.
What were the first dinosaurs like and where did they live? [4] The first dinosaurs were the agile, bipedal carnivores, Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor. Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor differed in size (Eoraptor was about one meter in length, Herrerasaurus was between three and six meters in length), but this pair invariably possessed carnivore-like characteristics (grasping, clawed forelimbs and sharp teeth). In their early ecosystems, Herrerasaurus and Eoraptor lived among synapsid and diapsid fauna and comprised around thirty-three percent of local carnivores.
Compare and contrast the two dinosaur clades Ornithischia and the Sauropoda-Theropoda clade. …show more content…
First, as archosaurs, dinosaurs possessed the archosaur respiratory system that is observable in modern birds and crocodiles. Since the one-way archosaur respiratory system is highly-efficient, it could have supplied ample oxygen to support a high metabolism and endothermy in dinosaurs. Second, dinosaurs possess feathers, which would have aided in insulating an internally maintained body temperature and hindered ectothermy. Finally, dinosaurs (in many cases) possess anatomies formidable for rapid movement. Rapid movement is most reliably facilitated in endothermic