Comparative anatomy
In this segment our goal was to see a comparison between us(humans) and many different species. We dissected many different organisms from our first one, a sponge, to our last one, a frog. This allowed us to see the drastic differences and similarities between the different organisms. This also allowed us to see how each one is adapted to its surrounding. The adaptations due to climate, food source, and place in the system. Along with the dissections we also learned a lot about each one. We did a comparison chart on each of the organisms, as wells as paragraphs on the ecology of each organism, groups of the organisms, and the comparisons of the organisms.
Ecology of a Sponge
Sponges play an important role in the ecology and survival of numerous aquatic organisms. They are ideal habitats for marine animals because they have an irregular shape and are very large. This makes it an ideal habitat for snails, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and shrimp. Sponges have a mutually beneficial relationship with bacteria, algae, and plant like protist. The relationship is beneficial because, the sponge offers a protected area with the organisms provide food and oxygen to the sponge. Sponges get enough light by using spicules that are like a lens or magnifying glass that focuses and directs incoming sunlight to cells lying below the surface of the sponge. This is where symbiotic organisms carry out photosynthesis, and that is the ecology of a sponge.
Ecology of Corals
Worldwide distribution of corals is determined by temperature, water depth, and light intensity. The “tougher corals require higher levels of light. The light is necessary because the coral relies on on symbioses with algae. Symbioses provides as much as 60% of the energy the coral needs. Many coral reefs are now suffering from human activity. Overfishing, chemical use, recreational diving are all examples of human activity that can kill coral reefs. Even if human-caused problems don’t kill coral it can still cause the coral to become stressed out and susceptible to other threats. A problem called coral bleaching has become common. Higher temperatures cause the algae to die, leaving behind transparent cells atop a ghostly white skeleton. Over the last 20 years bleaching has become more common and more severe, causing many corals to die.
Ecology of Mollusks
Mollusks are a source of food for other organisms, including humans. They filter algae out of the water by eating debris. Mollusks can be used to monitor water quality and warn biologists about potential dangers in open water. Bacteria around bivalves extract chemical energy from simple compounds released in superheated water. Mollusks are also used for biological research.
Groups of Mollusks
The first group of mollusks are the Gastropods. These organisms are shell-less and move by using a muscular foot. The second group are the Bivalves. They are held together by muscles and have two shells. The third group are the Cephalopods. These organisms have a single head attached to a single foot and are soft-bodied.
Groups of Annelids
There are three groups of Annelids. The first group is the Oligochaetes which contains earthworms and their relatives. Oligochaetes annelida that typically have streamlined bodies and relatively few setae compared to polychaetes. Most live in soil or freshwater. The next group is Leeches which contains the leeches. Leeches are typically external parasites that suck the blood and body fluids of their host. They can be found in moist habitats in tropical countries. They were once commonly used to treat medical conditions. The last group is Polychaetes. Polychaetes contain sandworms, bloodworms, and their relatives. They are marine annelids that have paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae, brush like structures on the worm.
Ecology of Annelids
Worms are very important to nature and it has been noted back as far as ancient Greece, when Aristotle called them the “Intestines of the Earth.” Annelids spend most of their life burrowed under soil mixing it to depths of 2 meters or more. They pull plant matter down through the soil and into their gut. Earthworms “mine” materials from deeper soil layers and bring them up to the surface. Their feces are rich in nitrogen, phos fences, potassium, micronutrients and beneficial bacteria. In the sea annelids participate in a wide range of food chains. As adults marine annelids are mud-dwelling filter feeders that are common in area where sediment is disturbed or large amounts of organic material are present. they are especially numerous where pollution from sewage promotes growth of bacteria and algae. Many polychaetes are important in the diets of fishes as well as crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters.
Ecology of Fishes
Certain fishes spend the majority of their lives in the ocean but migrate to fresh water when it is breeding time. Some examples of these fish are lampreys, sturgeons, and salmon. This type of fish are called anadromous. Salmon are born and begin their lives in rivers or streams but soon after make their way to the sea. After years in the ocean the salmon use their sense of smell to find their birthplace and lay/fertilize eggs of their own.The trip back can take up to months of travelling. Other fish are the opposite of anadromous and spend the majority of their life in freshwater but migrate to the ocean for breeding. These fish are categorized as catadromous. They can travel a great distance to the sea in order to lay their eggs. Currents take hold of the eggs and carry them to shallow waters. When the eggs mature and hatch the fish find their way into fresh water and move upstream.
Groups of Amphibians
There are three groups of amphibians which consist of salamanders, frogs and toads, and caecilians. Salamanders are part of the order Urodela. They have long bodies and tails. They usually have four legs and are carnivores. Most live in moist areas. Frogs and toads are in the order Anura and have the ability to jump. Frogs tend to have longer legs than toads. Adult frogs and toads do not have tails. Caecilians are part of the order Apoda. They are legless that live in water or in moist areas. They feed on small invertebrates. Many have fishlike scales.
Ecology of Amphibians
Amphibians have adaptations that are used to protect them from predators. Some have colors or markings that can be used to blend into their surroundings. Others have skin glands that ooze a toxin. Amphibians that release toxin are usually bright colored to warn their enemies off. Nontoxic amphibians are also sometimes bright colored to confuse predators. This way, predators assume they are toxic and leave them alone. The amount of amphibians has decreased over the past few decades. Scientists do not know why this is happening, but they guess it has to do with environmental factors. These factors include a decreasing habitat, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, water pollution, fungal infections, aquatic predators, and an increasing human population.
Comparison of Cnidaria and Porifera
Cnidarians and Poriferans are two different types of organisms. Porifera have a Choanocytes that use flagella to move water through pores in the wall of the sponge and out through the osculum. Cnidarians have special stinging cells on their tentacles that stun their prey. Porifera organ structure is generally less organized than that of a Cnidarian, Cnidarians have radial symmetry compared to that of a poriferan. In an overall body plan Porifera are much simpler than the Cnidarian’s. Cnidarians are much more complex for they have to actually kill and eat their prey, causing them to need more organs and such.
Comparison of Mollusca, Cnidaria, and Porifera
Mollusca, Cnidaria and Porifera are 3 different types of organisms with some similar traits. The Cnidaria phylum appears to be the only phylum that has any specialized cells. Cnidarians have cnidocytes, which are specialized cells that are used for mainly capturing their prey. Porifera appear to have no presence of organs while the others do. Out of all the phyla the Mollusca appears to have the most complex presence of organs followed by Cnidaria and Porifera. Out of the overall body plan once again the Mollusca seem to have the most complex with the addition of a hard shell. The Cnidaria have the specialized stinging cells, while the Perifera don't really have that much to them.
Comparison of Mollusca, Cnidaria, Porifera and Annelida
Mollusca, Cnidaria, Porifera, and Annelids are 4 different types of organisms with some similar traits. The Cnidaria phylum appears to be the only phylum that has any specialized cells. Cnidarians have cnidocytes, which are specialized cells that are used for mainly capturing their prey. There is certain type of Annelida, called Polychaetes, that has paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae. Out of all the phylum the Annelida have the largest presence of organs and it falls back in a descending order. In the overall body plan the Mollusca appears to be the only organism with a hard shell. The rest of the phylum have soft bodied exteriors. The Porifera is the simplest organism out of the 3 phylums while Annelids appear to be the most complex.
Conclusion
This entire section has been a very big learning expirence. From reading about different organisms to actually getting to dissect them. This section of work was absolutely amazing and outstanding. There are a few things I wish me and my group could have done a tiny bit different though. I think that we could have been handled ourselves a little better during the dissections. We could have not been so immature. I though that personally I did a very good job dissecting the animals. I had a very steady hand. I also thought I did a good job at finding the parts in the dissected organisms that had to be found. That happens to be the only thing. I though that my group was amazing and that we really worked well together. This was a very educational learning expirence that I am grateful to have taken part in.
Ecology of a Sponge
Sponges play an important role in the ecology and survival of numerous aquatic organisms. They are ideal habitats for marine animals because they have an irregular shape and are very large. This makes it an ideal habitat for snails, sea stars, sea cucumbers, and shrimp. Sponges have a mutually beneficial relationship with bacteria, algae, and plant like protist. The relationship is beneficial because, the sponge offers a protected area with the organisms provide food and oxygen to the sponge. Sponges get enough light by using spicules that are like a lens or magnifying glass that focuses and directs incoming sunlight to cells lying below the surface of the sponge. This is where symbiotic organisms carry out photosynthesis, and that is the ecology of a sponge.
Ecology of Corals
Worldwide distribution of corals is determined by temperature, water depth, and light intensity. The “tougher corals require higher levels of light. The light is necessary because the coral relies on on symbioses with algae. Symbioses provides as much as 60% of the energy the coral needs. Many coral reefs are now suffering from human activity. Overfishing, chemical use, recreational diving are all examples of human activity that can kill coral reefs. Even if human-caused problems don’t kill coral it can still cause the coral to become stressed out and susceptible to other threats. A problem called coral bleaching has become common. Higher temperatures cause the algae to die, leaving behind transparent cells atop a ghostly white skeleton. Over the last 20 years bleaching has become more common and more severe, causing many corals to die.
Ecology of Mollusks
Mollusks are a source of food for other organisms, including humans. They filter algae out of the water by eating debris. Mollusks can be used to monitor water quality and warn biologists about potential dangers in open water. Bacteria around bivalves extract chemical energy from simple compounds released in superheated water. Mollusks are also used for biological research.
Groups of Mollusks
The first group of mollusks are the Gastropods. These organisms are shell-less and move by using a muscular foot. The second group are the Bivalves. They are held together by muscles and have two shells. The third group are the Cephalopods. These organisms have a single head attached to a single foot and are soft-bodied.
Groups of Annelids
There are three groups of Annelids. The first group is the Oligochaetes which contains earthworms and their relatives. Oligochaetes annelida that typically have streamlined bodies and relatively few setae compared to polychaetes. Most live in soil or freshwater. The next group is Leeches which contains the leeches. Leeches are typically external parasites that suck the blood and body fluids of their host. They can be found in moist habitats in tropical countries. They were once commonly used to treat medical conditions. The last group is Polychaetes. Polychaetes contain sandworms, bloodworms, and their relatives. They are marine annelids that have paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae, brush like structures on the worm.
Ecology of Annelids
Worms are very important to nature and it has been noted back as far as ancient Greece, when Aristotle called them the “Intestines of the Earth.” Annelids spend most of their life burrowed under soil mixing it to depths of 2 meters or more. They pull plant matter down through the soil and into their gut. Earthworms “mine” materials from deeper soil layers and bring them up to the surface. Their feces are rich in nitrogen, phos fences, potassium, micronutrients and beneficial bacteria. In the sea annelids participate in a wide range of food chains. As adults marine annelids are mud-dwelling filter feeders that are common in area where sediment is disturbed or large amounts of organic material are present. they are especially numerous where pollution from sewage promotes growth of bacteria and algae. Many polychaetes are important in the diets of fishes as well as crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters.
Ecology of Fishes
Certain fishes spend the majority of their lives in the ocean but migrate to fresh water when it is breeding time. Some examples of these fish are lampreys, sturgeons, and salmon. This type of fish are called anadromous. Salmon are born and begin their lives in rivers or streams but soon after make their way to the sea. After years in the ocean the salmon use their sense of smell to find their birthplace and lay/fertilize eggs of their own.The trip back can take up to months of travelling. Other fish are the opposite of anadromous and spend the majority of their life in freshwater but migrate to the ocean for breeding. These fish are categorized as catadromous. They can travel a great distance to the sea in order to lay their eggs. Currents take hold of the eggs and carry them to shallow waters. When the eggs mature and hatch the fish find their way into fresh water and move upstream.
Groups of Amphibians
There are three groups of amphibians which consist of salamanders, frogs and toads, and caecilians. Salamanders are part of the order Urodela. They have long bodies and tails. They usually have four legs and are carnivores. Most live in moist areas. Frogs and toads are in the order Anura and have the ability to jump. Frogs tend to have longer legs than toads. Adult frogs and toads do not have tails. Caecilians are part of the order Apoda. They are legless that live in water or in moist areas. They feed on small invertebrates. Many have fishlike scales.
Ecology of Amphibians
Amphibians have adaptations that are used to protect them from predators. Some have colors or markings that can be used to blend into their surroundings. Others have skin glands that ooze a toxin. Amphibians that release toxin are usually bright colored to warn their enemies off. Nontoxic amphibians are also sometimes bright colored to confuse predators. This way, predators assume they are toxic and leave them alone. The amount of amphibians has decreased over the past few decades. Scientists do not know why this is happening, but they guess it has to do with environmental factors. These factors include a decreasing habitat, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, water pollution, fungal infections, aquatic predators, and an increasing human population.
Comparison of Cnidaria and Porifera
Cnidarians and Poriferans are two different types of organisms. Porifera have a Choanocytes that use flagella to move water through pores in the wall of the sponge and out through the osculum. Cnidarians have special stinging cells on their tentacles that stun their prey. Porifera organ structure is generally less organized than that of a Cnidarian, Cnidarians have radial symmetry compared to that of a poriferan. In an overall body plan Porifera are much simpler than the Cnidarian’s. Cnidarians are much more complex for they have to actually kill and eat their prey, causing them to need more organs and such.
Comparison of Mollusca, Cnidaria, and Porifera
Mollusca, Cnidaria and Porifera are 3 different types of organisms with some similar traits. The Cnidaria phylum appears to be the only phylum that has any specialized cells. Cnidarians have cnidocytes, which are specialized cells that are used for mainly capturing their prey. Porifera appear to have no presence of organs while the others do. Out of all the phyla the Mollusca appears to have the most complex presence of organs followed by Cnidaria and Porifera. Out of the overall body plan once again the Mollusca seem to have the most complex with the addition of a hard shell. The Cnidaria have the specialized stinging cells, while the Perifera don't really have that much to them.
Comparison of Mollusca, Cnidaria, Porifera and Annelida
Mollusca, Cnidaria, Porifera, and Annelids are 4 different types of organisms with some similar traits. The Cnidaria phylum appears to be the only phylum that has any specialized cells. Cnidarians have cnidocytes, which are specialized cells that are used for mainly capturing their prey. There is certain type of Annelida, called Polychaetes, that has paired, paddlelike appendages tipped with setae. Out of all the phylum the Annelida have the largest presence of organs and it falls back in a descending order. In the overall body plan the Mollusca appears to be the only organism with a hard shell. The rest of the phylum have soft bodied exteriors. The Porifera is the simplest organism out of the 3 phylums while Annelids appear to be the most complex.
Conclusion
This entire section has been a very big learning expirence. From reading about different organisms to actually getting to dissect them. This section of work was absolutely amazing and outstanding. There are a few things I wish me and my group could have done a tiny bit different though. I think that we could have been handled ourselves a little better during the dissections. We could have not been so immature. I though that personally I did a very good job dissecting the animals. I had a very steady hand. I also thought I did a good job at finding the parts in the dissected organisms that had to be found. That happens to be the only thing. I though that my group was amazing and that we really worked well together. This was a very educational learning expirence that I am grateful to have taken part in.