Chordates and Vertebrates | ![]() |
- Know the characteristics of chordates.
- Be able to give the taxonomy, members, and characteristics of the lower chordate groups.
- Know the three classes of fish (taxonomy, members, and characteristics).
- Know the characteristics of amphibians, be able to explain adaptations for life on land, and know why they are still linked to water.
- Know which vertebrate group was able to first successfully live and reproduce on land and what features made this possible.
- Know the orders of amphibians, members of each order, and their main characteristics.
- Know the orders of reptiles, members of each order, and their main characteristics.
- Be able to trace the increasing complexity of the heart through the classes of vertebrates and give advantages of this more complex heart.
- Give supporting reasons why scientists consider birds and reptiles to be closely related.
- Know the main characteristics of the class Aves.
- Know the main characteristics of the class Reptilia.
- Know which invertebrate phylum is considered to be most closely related to the chordates and why.
- Know the chemical composition of mammalian hair, avian feathers, and turtle shells.
- Explain how the bird’s body is adapted to flight.
- Know the orders of mammals, characteristics, and members of each order.