After reading this chapter and analyzing the content, it is assumed that you can: - List the characteristics shared by the three deuterostome phyla that indicate a monophyletic group of interrelated animals.
- Explain how cladistic classification of vertebrates results in important regroupings of the traditional vertebrate taxa.
- List the five hallmark chordate characteristics and relate the function of each.
- Provide embryological evidences that the chordates evolved within the deuterostome assemblage rather than a protostome group.
- Discuss the characteristics of larval and adult tunicates.
- Explain why the amphioxus is no longer considered to resemble closely the most recent common ancestor of all vertebrates.
- Compare and contrast the filter–feeding apparatus of the sea squirts and lancelets.
- List three groups of adaptations that guided vertebrate evolution, and explain how each has contributed to the success of vertebrates.
- Distinguish between ostracoderms and placoderms.
- Describe the evolution of the vertebrate jaw.
|
