Question bank: Animals: Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Imagine you are conducting a field research in a tropical forest region and come across a new species of animal that has never been cataloged. This animal presents structural characteristics that suggest possible evolutionary relationships with both vertebrates and invertebrates. Considering that the survival of a species is closely linked to its biological adaptations: 1) Explain, based on biological concepts, how the presence or absence of a skeleton and the type of skeleton (endoskeleton or exoskeleton) influence the survival and reproductive success of an animal in different environments. 2) Based on evolutionary theories, discuss how the structural characteristics of this animal may reflect its phylogenetic position and the possible adaptations it has developed to survive in its specific habitat.

Consider an aquatic ecosystem, where ecological relationships are crucial for the survival and balance of the system. In this environment, we find a diversity of organisms that fall into the categories of vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrate animals have distinct anatomical characteristics, such as the presence of a backbone, which differentiate them from invertebrates that lack such a structure. Additionally, some invertebrates, like arthropods, have rigid exoskeletons that play a crucial role in their survival. Based on this contextualization and your knowledge, describe: 1. The main structural differences between a fish (vertebrate) and a crab (invertebrate), highlighting the adaptations that each presents to live in an aquatic environment. 2. Explain how the absence or presence of a skeleton/exoskeleton can influence the behavior and survival of each of these organisms regarding the ecological and physiological aspects of their environment.

Discuss the main differences between vertebrate and invertebrate animals in terms of structural organization and skeleton development. Relate these characteristics to the resilience of different animal groups to environmental changes, such as habitat alteration due to natural events or human action. Furthermore, explain how knowledge of these differences can be applied in conservation and management programs of threatened species, considering the importance of the skeleton in locomotion and adaptation to the environment.

During a field expedition in a region with a varied ecosystem, a group of 1st-year high school students observed different types of animals and their environments. When they came across a set of aquatic organisms, they noticed the presence of lobsters and fish. While trying to classify the observed animals, a student remembered their Biology classes and pointed out that the presence or absence of an internal skeleton could be an important distinguishing criterion. Based on this context and knowledge of animal anatomy and classification, how could the student use the characteristics of the skeletons of lobsters and fish to correctly classify them as invertebrates and vertebrates, respectively?

In an aquatic ecosystem, biodiversity is vast and includes various organisms, from small invertebrates to large vertebrate fish. In a field study, the interaction between a bony fish, a type of vertebrate, and a group of shrimp, invertebrates with exoskeleton, was observed. The fish feeds on the shrimp, representing a survival strategy and ecological balance in the environment. Considering the distinct characteristics between vertebrates and invertebrates: 'A' describe two fundamental anatomical differences that allow classifying an aquatic organism as a vertebrate or invertebrate; 'B' discuss how these structural differences can influence the ecological role and interaction of the organism in the ecosystem.