Biology 242: Lecture 5Spring 2001

Fishes and Amphibians

  1. Introduction to the Subphylum Vertebrata
    1. Origin
    2. Characteristics
      1. Highly cephalized
      2. Living endoskeleton
      3. Well-developed sense organs/distinct, anterior brain
      4. Anatomical adaptations - support high metabolic demands

  2. Fishes
    1. Superclass Agnatha
      1. Characteristics
      2. Examples
    2. Class Placodermi
    3. Class Chondrichthyes = cartilagenous fishes
      1. Characteristics
      2. Examples
    4. Class Osteichthyes = bony fishes
      1. Characteristics
      2. Examples
    5. Adaptations
      1. Streamlined
      2. Gills - efficient respiratory system
      3. Acute sensory organs
        1. Lateral line
        2. Vision and smell
      4. Swim bladder

  3. Class Amphibia
    1. Characteristics
      1. "Double life"
      2. Webbed feet
      3. Moist skin
      4. External fertilization
    2. Major groups
      1. Order Urodela = salamanders
      2. Order Anura = frogs and toads
      3. Order Apoda = caecilians


"Sometimes you can observe a lot by watching."
Yogi Berra