Chapter 34

1. Describe the four 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 becomes 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 Cretaceous 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 existence.
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.