Review

Invertebrate Paleontology: Review Items

Last Update: September 26, 2011 9:07 am

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Ediacaran Fauna (Royal Terrell Museum)

What is the relationship of the blastopore to the adult mouth and anus? Is it the same in all organisms? Given the answers to the above, outline a classification of the invertebrate phyla (we have discussed) according to major grades of organization (a tree diagram is appropriate).

Compare and contrast the three major classes of molluscs. How are the major components of the molluscan body plan adapted in each class? What is the evolutionary history of each class? Be prepared to discuss the timing and structural adaptations involved in the adaptive radiations that have occurred in each class.
What are the major distinguishing features of the echinoderms? What are the four subphyla and how are they distinguished? What features distinguish the five extant classes of echinoderms (what are the five extant classes of echinoderms?)? How is the evolutionary history of the phylum unique?

What are the two major groups of echinoids? How are they distinguished? What are their life habits? What is the general evolutionary history of the class?
How might taphonomic bias affect the perceived evolutionary history of the cidaroids?

Consider filling out the table below for the following groups: brachiopods, bryozoans, bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods, trilobites, crinoids, echinoids-- NOTE you may not have information for every category listde along the left margin of the table!!

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