Ancient Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the primary characteristic that defines ancient fish?
Ancient fish are primarily characterized by their evolutionary adaptations and features that differ from modern fish.
True or False: Ancient fish lived in freshwater environments only.
False: Ancient fish inhabited both freshwater and marine environments.
Fill in the blank: The first known ancient fish appeared during the ________ period.
Cambrian
What are the two main groups of ancient fish?
The two main groups are jawless fish (agnathans) and jawed fish (gnathostomes).
Name one example of a jawless ancient fish.
Lamprey or hagfish.
What is the significance of the Devonian period in the context of ancient fish?
The Devonian period is known as the ‘Age of Fishes’ due to the diversity and abundance of fish species that evolved during this time.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ancient fish? A) Gills B) Lungs C) Scales D) Fins
B) Lungs
What feature distinguishes jawed fish from jawless fish?
Jawed fish possess a jaw structure that allows them to grasp and consume prey.
True or False: Ancient fish are now extinct and do not exist today.
False: Some ancient fish lineages have survived and evolved into modern species.
Fill in the blank: The class of fish known as ________ includes ancient species like coelacanths.
Sarcopterygii
What is a common feature of the class Agnatha?
Members of Agnatha, such as lampreys, lack jaws and have a sucker-like mouth.
What adaptation allowed ancient fish to thrive in various aquatic environments?
The development of gills for respiration and fins for locomotion.
Multiple Choice: Which ancient fish is known for its ability to survive in low-oxygen environments? A) Sturgeon B) Coelacanth C) Lungfish D) Goldfish
C) Lungfish
What role did ancient fish play in the evolution of vertebrates?
Ancient fish are considered the ancestors of all vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
True or False: The earliest fish had complex skeletal structures.
False: The earliest fish had simple cartilaginous skeletons.
Fill in the blank: The first jawed fish appeared in the ________ period.
Silurian
What is the main diet of many ancient fish species?
Many ancient fish were carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates.
Multiple Choice: Which ancient fish is famous for its bony structure? A) Dunkleosteus B) Agnatha C) Elasmobranchii D) Osteichthyes
D) Osteichthyes
What does the term ‘extinct’ mean in relation to ancient fish?
Extinct means that a species no longer has any living individuals left.
True or False: All ancient fish are considered primitive and lack evolutionary advancements.
False: Some ancient fish show significant evolutionary advancements.
Fill in the blank: The ancient fish known as ________ is often referred to as a ‘living fossil.’
Coelacanth
What type of scales did many ancient fish possess?
Many ancient fish had placoid or ganoid scales.
What is one reason scientists study ancient fish?
Scientists study ancient fish to understand the evolutionary history and development of vertebrates.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following ancient fish is known for its armored plates? A) Archaeopteryx B) Dunkleosteus C) Lamprey D) Salmon
B) Dunkleosteus
