kay, this is an excellent strategy!
To cover all topics thoroughly, I'll provide a mix of
O
short-answer, medium-length, and essay-style questions for each unit. The goal is
that by preparing comprehensive answers to these questions, you will inherently
cover the entire syllabus.
Instructions for Practice:
1. D on't just read the questions: Actively try to write out answers, even if it's in
point form initially.
2. Refer to your notes/textbook: Fill in gaps and elaborate on your answers.
3. Draw diagrams: For many questions, a well-labeled diagram is crucial for
understanding and scoring marks (e.g.,Branchiostoma,feather, heart, snake
fangs).
4. Practice comparative tables: For comparisons (e.g., Chondrichthyes vs.
Osteichthyes), creating a table helps organize information.
5. Understand relationships: Connect concepts between units (e.g., origin of
chordates to primitive chordates).
6. Time yourself: Practice answering essay questions under exam conditions.
SC Zoology Second Semester - Biology of Chordates (ZOOLMAJ203) -
B
Chapter-Wise Practice Questions
Unit I: Introduction to Chordates
1. S hort Answer: List the five fundamental diagnostic characteristics of Phylum
Chordata.
2. Medium Answer: Briefly explain the function and evolutionary significance of
the notochord and the endostyle/thyroid gland in Chordates.
3. Essay: Provide an outline classification of Phylum Chordata, giving
distinguishing characteristics and at least two examples for each Subphylum
and Class (up to the class level as discussed).
Unit II: Protochordata
1. Short Answer:
○ What are the primary differences between Urochordata and
Cephalochordata?
○ Define retrogressive metamorphosis.
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the key characteristics of the free-swimming larva ofAscidia.
Why is it important in understanding the chordate affinities of
Urochordates?
○ Draw a well-labeled diagram of the external features ofBranchiostoma.
3. E
ssay: Describe the general organization ofBranchiostomawith reference to
its habit, habitat, external features, and internal anatomy. Discuss its
significance as a representative primitive chordate.
Unit III: Origin of Chordata
1. Short Answer:
○ What is the "dipleurula concept" in relation to chordate origin?
○ List two pieces of evidence that support the deuterostome lineage of
Chordates.
2. Medium Answer: Explain the key similarities between the larvae of
echinoderms and hemichordates that support a common ancestry with
chordates.
3. Essay: Discuss the "Echinoderm Theory" for the origin of Chordates. What
are the main evidences supporting this theory, and what are its challenges?
Unit IV: Agnatha
1. Short Answer:
○ What are the distinguishing features of Cyclostomata?
○ Name the two extant orders of Cyclostomata and give one example of
each.
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the characteristics of the ammocoete larva ofPetromyzon.
Why is it considered ecologically important?
○ Compare and contrast the general characteristics of Lampreys and
Hagfish.
3. Essay: Detail the complete life cycle ofPetromyzon(lamprey), focusing on the
process and significance of its metamorphosis.
Unit V: Pisces
1. Short Answer:
○ Differentiate between cycloid and placoid scales.
○ Define anadromous and catadromous migration. Give an example for
each.
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the structure and function of the swim bladder in fishes,
distinguishing between physostomous and physoclistous types.
○ Write a note on parental care strategies observed in various fish
species.
○ Discuss the distribution, morphology, and evolutionary affinities of
Dipnoi (Lungfish).
3. E
ssay: Compare and contrast the general characteristics of Class
Chondrichthyes and Class Osteichthyes, providing a classification up to the
sub-class level for both. Highlight the key adaptations that define each group.
Unit VI: Amphibia
1. Short Answer:
○ List three general characteristics that define Amphibia.
○ Define neoteny and paedogenesis.
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the different modes of respiration found in amphibians.
○ Discuss the various forms of parental care observed in amphibians,
giving specific examples.
3. Essay: Explain the phenomenon of neoteny with reference to the Axolotl.
Discuss its biological significance and how it represents an adaptive
evolutionary strategy.
Unit VII: Reptilia
1. Short Answer:
○ What is an amniotic egg, and why is it crucial for terrestrial life?
○ Differentiate between proteroglyphous and solenoglyphous fangs.
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the general characteristics of Class Reptilia, highlighting their
adaptations for terrestrial life.
○ Explain the different types of snake venom based on their primary
mode of action, providing examples of snakes producing each type.
3. Essay: Describe the poison apparatus and biting mechanism in venomous
snakes. Elaborate on the various types of snake fangs and how they relate to
venom delivery.
Unit VIII: Aves
1. Short Answer:
○ List three skeletal adaptations in birds related to flight.
○ What are the main functions of feathers?
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the structure of a contour feather and explain how its
structure contributes to flight.
○ Explain the concept of "double respiration" in birds and its adaptive
significance for flight.
3. Essay: Discuss the general characteristics of Class Aves, focusing on their
unique adaptations for an aerial mode of life. Provide an outline classification
up to subclasses with distinguishing features.
Unit IX: Mammals
1. Short Answer:
○ List three defining characteristics of mammals.
○ Name two types of exoskeletal derivatives found in mammals.
2. Medium Answer:
○ Describe the various types of exoskeletal derivatives found in
mammals and their functions.
○ Explain the process of echolocation in either Microchiroptera OR
Odontocetes.
3. Essay: Discuss the general characteristics of Class Mammalia and provide a
classification up to the extant subclasses with distinguishing features and
examples. Additionally, elaborate on the phenomenon of echolocation in bats
and/or whales as an adaptive strategy.
y working through these questions, you should cover all the major concepts and
B
specific examples outlined in your syllabus. Good luck with your exam tomorrow!
