Fish Biology

Question 1

What is a fish?

Answer 1

A type of animal that has a backbone, lives in water, and has fins.

Question 2

What does ectothermic mean in relation to fish?

Answer 2

Cold-blooded; unable to regulate body temperature independently.

Question 3

What is the significance of a streamlined body shape in fish?

Answer 3

Reduces water resistance for easier swimming.

Question 4

How do most fish reproduce?

Answer 4

Most lay eggs through external fertilisation.

Question 5

What is camouflage in fish?

Answer 5

Colors or patterns on scales that help them hide from predators.

Question 6

What is schooling behaviour?

Answer 6

Swimming in groups for protection and efficiency.

Question 7

What are the main types of fish classification?

Answer 7

• Bony Fish
• Cartilaginous Fish
• Jawless Fish

Question 8

What are the characteristics of bony fish?

Answer 8

• Bone
• Swim bladder for buoyancy
• Scales
• Gills with operculum

Question 9

Name three examples of bony fish.

Answer 9

• Snapper
• Tuna
• Salmon

Question 10

What defines cartilaginous fish?

Answer 10

• Cartilage
• No swim bladder
• Exposed gills
• Skin with dermal denticles

Question 11

Name two examples of cartilaginous fish.

Answer 11

• Sharks
• Rays

Question 12

What are the characteristics of jawless fish?

Answer 12

• No bones or jaw
• Cartilage-based skeleton
• Slimy skin
• Parasitic or scavenging

Question 13

Name two examples of jawless fish.

Answer 13

• Hagfish
• Lamprey

Question 14

What is the function of the dorsal fin?

Answer 14

Stabilises the fish while swimming.

Question 15

What does the caudal fin do?

Answer 15

Provides thrust and forward motion.

Question 16

What is the role of pectoral fins?

Answer 16

Steering and stopping.

Question 17

What is the purpose of the slime layer on fish?

Answer 17

Protects the body and reduces friction.

Question 18

What do gills do?

Answer 18

Remove oxygen from water and diffuse carbon dioxide from the body.

Question 19

What is the operculum?

Answer 19

A bony flap that protects the gills.

Question 20

What is the lateral line in fish?

Answer 20

A line of tiny sensory pores that sense pressure changes and vibrations.

Question 21

How many chambers does a fish heart have?

Answer 21

2 chambers: atrium and ventricle.

Question 22

What is the function of the swim bladder?

Answer 22

Regulates buoyancy to allow fish to float or sink.

Question 23

What are gonads?

Answer 23

Reproductive organs: testes in males and ovaries in females.

Question 24

What is the main role of kidneys in fish?

Answer 24

Remove nitrogenous waste and maintain salt and water balance.

Question 25

What is the basic pathway of the respiratory system in fish?

Answer 25

Water enters the mouth → passes over gills → oxygen enters bloodstream → carbon dioxide exits.

Question 26

What is the circulatory system pathway in fish?

Answer 26

Heart → gills → body → heart.

Question 27

What is the digestive pathway in fish?

Answer 27

Mouth → oesophagus → stomach → intestines → anus.

Question 28

What do the kidneys in fish filter?

Answer 28

Blood and remove waste (ammonia).

Question 29

What role does the brain play in fish?

Answer 29

Processes sensory information and controls movement and balance.

Question 30

What is the function of the pyloric caeca?

Answer 30

Helps with digestion by releasing enzymes and increasing surface area for nutrient absorption.

Question 31

True or False: Most fish fertilise their eggs internally.

Answer 31

False

Question 32

Fill in the blank: Fish have ____ fins for balance and up/down movement.

Answer 32

Pelvic