The document summarizes several classes of chordates, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Key details are provided about characteristics such as respiration, reproduction, heart structure, skin/scales, metabolism and more. Examples like the barrier reef anemonefish, western spadefoot toad, komodo dragon, emperor penguin and blue whale are highlighted. The document concludes by discussing primates and humans, noting our large brains, bipedalism, tool use, and other distinguishing features.

1. The Chordates

2. Class Osteichthyes
* fish with bony skeletons
* most breathe exclusively through gills
* most are ectothermic, but some (swordfish and tuna, for
example) have a primitive capability of internally regulating
body temperature
* usually externally fertilized eggs, but some fertilize internally
* some species are hermaphrodites
* sometimes reproduce by parthenogenesis (asexual
reproduction in which organism develops from an unfertilized
egg)

3. Example -Amphiprion akindynos
The Barrier Reef Anemonefish
cc licensed flickr photo by richard ling: http://flickr.com/photos/rling/4004358946/

4. Class Amphibia
* metamorphose from aquatic juvenile form to air breathing adult form
* 4 legs
* lay eggs in water (a few exhibit complete internal development even
passing through juvenile form internally)
* bare skin
* adults have primitive lungs but most also breathe through their skin
* 3 chambered heart

5. Example - Spea hammondii
Western Spadefoot Toad
cc licensed flickr photo by squamatologist: http://flickr.com/photos/squamatologist/2243856850/

6. Class Reptilia
* air-breathing
* cold-blooded
* most reproduce sexually, parthenogenesis is also known
* lay tough shelled eggs, some carry eggs internally so the young hatch
internally
* skin is covered by scales
* heart consists of 3 chambers
* 2 atria bring blood into the heart
* 1 ventricle sends blood out from heart which can be partially
divided
* most are carnivores with short guts
* digestion occurs slowly due to low metabolism

7. Example - Varanus komodoensis
Komodo Dragon
cc licensed flickr photo by Ken Lund: http://flickr.com/photos/kenlund/3712780657/

8. Class Aves
* 4 limbs - 2 wings and 2 legs
* Bipedal - walk upright on hind limbs (legs)
* warm-blooded
* lay hard-shelled eggs
* body covered with feathers
* mouth includes a beak with no teeth
* high metabolic rate with a 4 chambered heart to rapidly and effeciently
carry oxygen to body cells
* lightweight skeleton
* most can fly - some have wings adapted for other functions
* Large brain, relative to size. Visual and flight control areas are most
developed.

9. Example - Aptenodytes forsteri
Emperor Penguin
cc licensed flickr photo by elisfanclub: http://flickr.com/photos/elisfanclub/4270190237/

10. Class Mammalia
* 4 limbs
* some forms are bipedal
* some have front limbs adapted for aquatic habitats
* air-breathing
* endothermic - internally regulate body temperature
* high metabolism with 4 chambered heart
* body covered with fur or hair
* internal fertilization, most have internal development of embryo/fetus
leading to live birth
* females nurse young
* sweat glands (including mammary glands to produce milk)

11. Example - Balaenoptera musculus
Blue Whale
cc licensed flickr photo by flickkerphotos: http://flickr.com/photos/38504374@N02/3600141170/

12. What about us?

13. Domain: Eukarya • Large brains
Kingdom: Animalia
• Highly developed visual cortex
Phylum: Chordates
Class: Mammalia
• Vision is stereoscopic and detects 3
Order: Primates colours
• 5 digits on limbs with opposable
thumbs; well developed tactile
sense on ends of digits
• Wide range of movement in
shoulder joint
• reduced number of teeth compared
to other mammals

14. Domain: Eukarya • Relatively large
Kingdom: Animalia
• No tail
Phylum: Chordates
Class: Mammalia
• Use hands for gathering food, tool
Order: Primates use
Family: Hominidae • Exhibit some degree of bipedalism
(knuckle walking in most)
• Omnivorous with fruit being
preferred food (except in humans)

15. Domain: Eukarya • Includes humans and closely
Kingdom: Animalia
related species
Phylum: Chordates
Class: Mammalia
• All extinct except modern humans
Order: Primates • Homo neanderthalis died out
Family: Hominidae 24000 years ago
Genus: Homo
• Homo floresiensis died out 12000
years ago (controversial)
• Large brain with highly developed
cerebrum
• Tool use
• Sparse hair covering body

16. Domain: Eukarya
• Modern humans
Kingdom: Animalia • Highly developed brain, capable of
Phylum: Chordates language, reasoning and problem-
Class: Mammalia
solving
Order: Primates
Family: Hominidae
• Upright body
Genus: Homo • Childbirth is relatively dangerous
Species: Homo sapiens due to large cranial size of young
and relatively narrow pelvis
(needed for fully upright posture)
• Omnivorous with a wide variety of
diets (from vegan to mostly
carnivore)
• Use fire to cook food