Directions: For this assignment, you are required to answer the following questions. The answers are short and essay-based with each answer having a minimum of 200 words.
1. Describe the evolutionary significance of segmentation, and give an in-depth analysis comparing and contrasting the complexity of new organisms (i.e. flatworms vs. annelids).
2. Explain the physical adaptation of Cnidarians (jellyfish vs. sea anemones vs. corals) to the marine environment and how it allows them to survive. Think about if they are sessile, food resources, organismal relationships, etc.
3. Compare and contrast the structural elements of porifera, mollusca, arthropods, and echinoderms (think about what gives structure to the organisms). How does this structure suit the different class of organisms in the marine environment and in their specific environments?
4. Compare and contrast the body cavity and circulatory systems of nemerta, mollusca, ectoprocta, and echiura (think about their food mechanism and habitat). How do the body cavity and the circulatory system become adaptive features for these organisms to the marine environment?
5. Contrast bilateral and radial symmetry.
6. Differentiate between an open and closed circulatory system.
7. Differentiate between an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton.
8. What are the four chordate characteristics?
9. Explain how fish swim.
10. Describe at least two fish behaviors (for example, territoriality, schooling, and migration).
11. Differentiate between viviparous, oviparous, and ovoviviparous.
12. Contrast poikilotherms, ectotherms, homeeotherms, and endotherms.
13. Summarize the biology of marine reptiles.
14. Summarize the biology of seabirds and shorebirds.
15. Explain echolocation.