June Exam - Herpetofauna Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
Name some ways that Herpetofauna have
ecological value?
A
Predator-prey balance, Bioindicators, Seed dispersal
2
Q
Name some ways that Herpetofauna have
economic value?
A
Pest control, Ecotourism, Medicine and research
3
Q
What are the differentiating features of snakes vs lizards (both squamates)?
A
- Limb presence
- Eyelids
- Ear openings
- Jaw flexibility
4
Q
What features differentiate Frogs vs Toads?
A
Skin, habitat, legs, eggs
5
Q
Name some herpetofauna communication methods
A
Acoustic, Chemical, Visual, Tactile
6
Q
Name some anti-predation methods for herpetofauna
A
- Camouflage
- Armour
- Mimicry
- Autotomy
- Immobility
- Postural changes
- Inflated body
- Startle displays
7
Q
Name some mechanisms of thermoregulation in Reptiles
A
- Behaviour
- Colour
- Microhabitat
- Posture
- Heart rate
- Blood flow
8
Q
What is the function of communication in Herpetofauna?
A
- Advertisement
- Aggression
- Alarm
- Submissive
- Courtship
- Contact
9
Q
Why are birds sometimes referred to as ‘flying reptiles’ ?
A
- Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs (reptiles).
- Share features like egg-laying and scaly legs with reptiles.
- Birds are part of the clade Reptilia.
- Considered avian reptiles; closest relatives are crocodilians.
10
Q
Explain why snakes are just unusual lizards?
A
- Snakes evolved from lizard-like ancestors.
- Both are squamates (order Squamata).
- Differences are extreme specializations.
- Some lizards also lack limbs, showing the link.
- Snakes are highly derived lizards, not separate from them.
