Chapter Objectives

1. Desribe the 4 unique characteristics of chordates
2. Distinguish between the three subphyla of the phylum Chordata and give examples of each
3. Describe the specialized characteristics found in the subphylum Vertebrata and explain how each is beneficial to survival
4. Compare and contrast members of Agnatha, Placadermi, and Chondrichthyes
5. Explain how members of the class Osteichthyes have become so diversified
6. Summarize the evidence supporting the fact that amphibians evolved from crossopterygians
7. Distinguish between the three orders of living amphibians
8. List the distinguishing characteristics of members of the class Reptilia and explain any special adaptations to the terrestrial environment
9. Explain how environmental changes during the Cretacous Period may have affected the dinosaurs
10. List the distinguishing characteristics of members of the class Aves and explain any special adaptations for flight
11. Summarize the evidence supporting the fact that birds evolved from reptilian ancestors
12. Explain why mammals underwent an adaptive radiation during the Cenozoic
13. Distinguish between monotreme, marsupial, and placental mammals
14. Explain how convergent evolution produced marsupial and placental ecological counterparts on different continents
15. Compare and contrast the four main evolutionary lines of placental mammals
16. Describe the characteristics found in early primates which indicate an arboreal evidence
17. Appraise the significance of the three most prominent misconceptions about human evolution
18. Diagram an evolutionary tree for humans
19. Explain how humans have influenced the extinction rates of other organisms

Chapter Terms:

Chapter Outline Framework

1. Invertebrate Chordates and the Origin of Vertebrates
   1. 4 anatomical features characterize phylum Chordata
1. dorsal hollow nerve cord
2. notochord
3. gill slits
2. Invertebrate chordates provide clues to the origin of vertebrates
2. Introduction to the Vertebrates
   1. Neural crest, cephalization, vertebral column, and a closed circulatory system characterize subphylum Vertebrata
   2. Overview of vertebrate diversity
3. Subclass Agnatha: Jawless Vertebrates
   1. Lampreys and hagfishes are the only extant agnathans
4. Superclass Gnathostomata I: The Fishes
   1. Vertebrate jaws evolved from skeletal supports of the pharyngeal slits
   2. A cartilaginous endoskeleton reinforced by calcfied granules is diagnositc of class Chondrichthyes
   3. A bony endoskeleton, operculum, and swim bladder are hallmarks of class Osteichthyes
5. Superclass Gnathastomata II: The Tetrapods
   1. Amphibians are the oldest class of tetrapods
   2. Evolution of the amniotic egg expanded the success of vertebrates on land
   3. A reptilian heritage is evident in all amniotes
   4. Birds began as flying reptiles
   5. Mammals diversified extensively in the wake of the Cretaceous entinctions
6. Primates and the Phylogeny of Homo sapiens
   1. Primate evolution provides a context for understanding human origins
   2. Humanity is one very young twig on the vertebrate tree

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