Biology 3350- Final Exam Information

The final exam in this class is comprehensive (cumulative) but will emphasize material since the second exam. You should be able to "build a vertebrate" - that is, discuss the major systems we have discussed (i.e., discuss/describe their structure, function, embryonic and evolutionary origins). You should be able to discuss, from an anatomical perspective, what makes a craniate a craniate. You should also be able to discuss the major changes that evolved in craniates at specific points in time (e.g., evolution of gnathostomes; water-to-land transition; evolution of amniotes). Make sure you know the phylogenetic relationships of the organisms discussed as illustrated by the cladogram I've been using all semester. As usual, you will need to be able to provide specific examples of structures/taxa to support your discussion. Terms from any of the three quizzes are fair game.

Make certain you understand the basics of the respiratory system, can name/diagram the parts of a vertebrate heart (fish, reptile, mammal) and trace the flow of blood through the system. Know the functions of the major components of the digestive system as well as the difference between foregut and hindgut fermenters.

Other than the brief mention I made in lecture about kidneys and the comparison between anamniotic and amniotic eggs, the material origially assigned on the syllabus for the Urogenital system will not be covered. Know the function of the three extraembryonic membranes.