Question 1

Which of the following best describes the embryonic development of deuterostomes?

Accepted Answer

The blastopore becomes the anus, and the mouth forms from a second opening.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT a synapomorphy of adult echinoderms?

Accepted Answer

Segmented body plan

Question 3

Sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) are considered a keystone species because:

Accepted Answer

Their removal causes a dramatic decrease in community diversity.

Question 4

Which equation best represents the relationship between the surface area ($$A) $$and volume ($$V) of a $$spherical amniotic egg, and why is this relationship important for gas exchange?

Accepted Answer

$$A = 4 \pi r^2$, V$$ = \frac{4}{3} \pi $$r^3$$; a higher surface area to volume ratio increases efficiency of gas exchange.

Question 5

Which of the following features is found in all chordates at some stage of their life cycle?

Accepted Answer

Pharyngeal gill slits, dorsal hollow nerve cord, notochord, and muscular post-anal tail

Question 6

Which innovation first evolved in the tetrapods and allowed vertebrates to move onto land?

Accepted Answer

Limbs capable of moving on land

Question 7

What is the primary function of the vertebrate notochord during embryonic development?

Accepted Answer

It organizes the body plan by secreting proteins that induce somite formation.

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct statement about the evolution of flight in tetrapod amniotes?

Accepted Answer

Flight evolved independently in pterosaurs, birds, and bats.

Question 9

Which of the following lines of evidence supports the 'out-of-Africa' hypothesis for the evolution of Homo sapiens?

Accepted Answer

Distant lineages in Africa have the highest genetic diversity.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world example of convergent evolution among vertebrates?

Accepted Answer

The independent evolution of flight in birds and bats.

Question 11

Which of the following is a key evolutionary advantage of viviparity and placentation in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Offspring develop at a more constant, favorable temperature.

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct description of the water vascular system in echinoderms?

Accepted Answer

It is a series of fluid-filled tubes and chambers that forms a hydrostatic skeleton.

Question 13

Which of the following is a correct statement about the function of the vertebrate cranium?

Accepted Answer

It encloses and protects the brain and sensory organs.

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct match between a vertebrate lineage and a key innovation?

Accepted Answer

Birds – feathers made of keratin

Question 15

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of primates?

Accepted Answer

Hands and feet efficient at grasping, flattened nails, and forward-facing eyes

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of removing sea otters from a kelp forest ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Sea urchin populations increase, leading to destruction of kelp forests.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about the evolution of the vertebrate brain?

Accepted Answer

The vertebrate brain is divided into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain regions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the fossil record and the origin of birds?

Accepted Answer

Fossil evidence shows that birds are part of a monophyletic group called dinosaurs.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about parental care in vertebrates?

Accepted Answer

Extensive parental care is hypothesized to be a reason for the evolutionary success of mammals and birds.

Deuterostome Animals: Structure, Diversity, and Evolution

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