unit 9b vertebrate study guide ap

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.