Vert Bio Notes Lecture 14

Front 1

Name the 3 Amniote synapomorphies.

Back 1

1) Amniotic Egg (and Amnion Membrane)
2) Astragalus
3) Two or more Sacral Vertebrae

Front 2

Name the 4 extra-embryonic membranes of the Amniotic Egg.

What are their functions?

Back 2

AMNION forms fluid-filled sac that cushions embryo.
YOLK SAC connects to gut tube, provides nutrients.
ALLANTOIS connects to end gut tube, sequesters wastes.
CHORION outer membrane (against shell), aids gas exchange.

Front 3

How are Amniote eggs different from amphibian eggs?

Back 3

Amniote eggs are resistant to drying out, so reproduction is NOT tied to aquatic habitats.

Front 4

What is the "Astragalus"?

What is it called when present in a human?

Back 4

The "astragalus" is the new bone in ankle that provides articulation between hindleg & foot

"Talus" in humans.

Front 5

What is the benefit of having 2 or more sacral vertebrae?

Back 5

The sacral vertebrae attach the pelvis to the body axis,
They provide increased stability for locomotion on land.

Front 6

What are 2 distinctive aspects of amniote function?

Back 6

1) Costal (Rib-Mediated) Breathing
[Intercostals between ribs assist in inspiration].
2) Trachea
[Tubular connection to lungs, reinforced with cartilage to prevent collapse]

Front 7

What are the 2 major branches of amniotes, and what do they include?

Back 7

1) CLADE SAUROPSIDA (REPTILES)
(Birds, turtles, lizards, crocs, dinosaurs)
2) CLADE SYNAPSIDA
(Mammals & fossil ancestors)

Front 8

1) The 2 major branches of amniotes are distinguished by what?
2) How are they distinguished as homologous?

Back 8

1) Holes in skull (temporal fenestra)
2) Differences in bounding bones between groups is the basis for deciding if their holes are homologous

Front 9

How many fenestra do each group of amniotes have?

Back 9

Synapsids: ONE fenestra
Sauropsids:
[Anapsid]: ZERO fenestra
[Diapsid]: TWO fenestra

Front 10

What is the purpose of having temporal fenestra?

Back 10

A hole in skull roof allows bigger jaw closing muscles to spread onto skull roof, increasing bite power.

Front 11

Name 5 differences between Synapsids and Sauropsids.

Back 11

(1) Method of increasing locomotor stamina
(2) Lung structure
(3) Skin structure
(4) Excretory system
(5) Sensory perception & brain structure

Front 12

See Slide 11 in Lecture 14

Back 12

See Slide 11 in Lecture 14

Front 13

How do the lungs of Synapsids and Sauropsids differ from each other?

How do they generally differ from amphibian lungs?

Back 13

FAVEOLAR LUNGS (Sauropsids)
• single branches to common space with chambers off that space

ALVEOLAR LUNGS (Synapsids)
• repeated branching to tiny chambers (alveoli)

Front 14

1)What is the similarity between the skin of Synapsids and Sauropsids?
2) What is the difference?

Back 14

1) Both have ALPHA keratin protein.
2) In SAUROPSIDS, unique BETA variety of keratin forms hard surface of scales, ultimately contributes to feathers.
In Synapsids, no BETA keratin or scales (hair from ALPHA keratin); glandular skin secretions include sweat and milk.

Front 15

Tell me about the interworkings of Sauropsids' excretory system. Do it in a sensual voice.

Back 15

• Waste excreted as URIC ACID.
• Travels through short tubules to BLADDER, where uric acid precipitates as solid & water reabsorbed.
• Many sauropsids (sea birds, sea turtles, sea snakes) have additional salt excreting glands in face/tongue.
• Penis not urinary, only intromittent organ (WHAAAAAAT!?)

Front 16

Explain the most interesting aspects of Synapsids' excretory system.

Back 16

• Waste excreted as UREA; stays disolved in liquid urine.
• Water content of urine regulated in nephron, through long LOOP OF HENLE, where water extraction depends on hydration of body.
• No water absorption in bladder.

Front 17

What are the differences between rods and cones?

Back 17

• ROD: broad sensitivity.
• CONE: sensitive to particular light wavelengths (responsible for color perception).

Front 18

What is the jizz of Sauropsids' sensory perception?

Back 18

• Strong vision, weaker smell.
• Good color vision (rods & cones).
• Optic tectum large in brain.

Front 19

What's the diggity on Synapsids' sensory perception?

Back 19

• Most have strong sense of smell, weaker vision (primates exception).
• Poor color vision (some 2 cone types, primates 3) - possibly passed through nocturnal phase in evolution?
• Small optic lobes, visual processing performed mostly in cerebrum.