CHAPTER 25: Fishes and Amphibians
- Introduction to the Vertebrates
- Learn what it means to be a vertebrate at this page from the University of California Museum of Paleontology. You'll explore the fossil record, find out what characteristics vertebrates share, then take a look at vertebrate diversity within this group.
- Subphylum Vertebrata
- This page from the University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web lists the defining characteristics of vertebrates. It also shows the classification of vertebrates and links to descriptions of specific vertebrates. Each species' profile describes its classification, appearance, behavior, range, conservation status, and economic benefit for humans.
- Tree of Life: Craniata
- This page describes the physical characteristics and reproductive biology of the Craniata, animals with skulls.
- Vertebrate Flight
- This exhibit from the University of California Museum of Paleontology explains the physics and evolution of animal flight. Learn how different animals take to the air and how flying may have evolved.
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25.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF FISHES
- Systematics of the Vertebrates
- This page from the University of California Museum of Paleontology shows the phylogenetic relationships of hagfish, lampreys, cartilaginous and bony fish, and the four-legged animals. Click on any photo to get details about a specific group.
- Tree of Life: Gnathostomata
- This group of jawed vertebrates includes the bony and cartilaginous fishes. It is described here with diagrams of jaw structure and a description of its relationship to its parent group, the Vertebrata. Follow the links of the lobe-finned fishes to find the four-legged vertebrates.
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25.3 ORIGIN AND DIVERSITY OF FISHES
- Shark Attack!
- The heightened senses of the shark have earned it a reputation as the perfect predator. Explore the six senses of sharks at this online NOVA supplement to their "Shark Attack" episode.
- Kingdom of the Sea Horse
- Although the seahorse doesn't look much like a fish, it has dorsal and pectoral fins, just like the rest of its relatives. Learn more about seahorse reproduction and diet, as well as some of the threats it faces, at this well-illustrated NOVA site.
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- Ocean Planet
- This Smithsonian Institution exhibit explores humanity's relationship to the sea. For more information about fish and fishing, see:
- The Electronic Zoo's Fish Page
- Whether you are interested in aquaculture or aquariums, you'll find that all of your fish needs are met here. The page links to fish resources from a variety of sources, both scientific and recreational.
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25.5 CHARACTERISTIC OF AMPHIBIANS
- Introduction to the Amphibia
- Click on "Morphology" to take a look at a frog skeleton, on "Life History" to learn about the amphibian's double life, on "Fossil Record" to see ancient ancestors, or on "Systematics" to take a look at some of the orders within this class. You'll find a wealth of information at this page from the University of California Museum of Paleontology.
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25.6 ORIGIN AND DIVERSITY OF AMPHIBIANS
- Tree of Life: Terrestrial Vertebrates
- This page describes the tetrapods and their extinct relatives. Read and explore this page to learn about the adaptations that made vertebrate terrestrial life possible.
- Exploratorium: Frogs
- Enjoy frog articles, interactive exhibits, and hands-on activities at this Exploratorium site.
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25.7 AMPHIBIANS IN THE BIOSPHERE
- The Whole Frog Project
- This project has created a three-dimensional model of a frog, one that can be rotated and viewed according to organ system. One offshoot of the project is the Virtual Frog Builder Game. The project was developed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
- Malformed Frogs of Minnesota: An Update
- A nature studies class in Minnesota came across a deformed frog during a field trip in 1995 ... and then another and another. Their discovery garnered national attention as deformed frogs were subsequently found elsewhere in the United States. Visit this Web page to learn more about the deformed frog phenomenon.
- The Electronic Zoo's Amphibian Page
- If you are interested in African Bullfrogs or other amphibians, take a look at this page. You'll find over a hundred links to information on frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders from around the country and around the world.
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