Discuss the systematics and diversity of amphibians - describe how they are clas

Question

Discuss the systematics and diversity of amphibians - describe how they are classified and why. Include two recent taxonomic changes (at any level of classification) and provide reasons for these changes. Discuss the systematics and diversity of reptiles - describe how they are classified and why. Include two re- cent taxonomic changes (at any level of classification) and provide reasons for these changes. Describe how landscape, e.g., biomes, are associated with diversity of herpes- to fauna. How are body temperatures regulated in herpetofauna? Describe this mechanism. How does ectothermy differ from endothermy? Describe energy production (ATP production) in herpetofauna. What energy costs would herpetofauna have if they are ectothermic?

Explanation / Answer

1. Features of Amphibians used for classification-

Amphibians are aquatic, cold blooded animals.

Pentadeactyl limbs with webs.

Three main orders of amphibians are-

Anura- absence of tails

caudata- tails and four limbs present

Gymnophiona- worm like animals

Triturus cristatus and Triturus dobrogicus have been elevated from subspecies to species rank.

Reptiles- Characters-

Body covered with horny plate, paired limbs, ossified skeleton, three chambered heart, lung respiration

The four reptile orders are-

Crocodia-

Sphenodontia-

Squamata-

Testudines-

New species of reptiles are Laemus uniformis and Troncoso-Palacios
  

Based on new research methods, reptiles and amphibians were split into two or more genera. These new techniques include artificial crossing, DNA bar coding, DNA sequencing, comparative analysis of nuclear DNA content etc.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse D
• Subjects

---