NAME ____________________ Period ________
Introduction to Vertebrates: Internet Scavenger Hunt- YOU MAY WRITE ON THIS
Type in the following web address: http://www.biology4kids.com/files/vert_main.html. Fill in the blanks with the
missing information.
VERTEBRATE BASICS
________________________are the most advanced organisms on Earth. The traits that make all of the animals in this
section special are their spinal cords, vertebrae, and_________________.
NOT SO MANY SPECIES
Fifty thousand species might seem like a lot. Compared to the ______________________, there are not that many
species of vertebrates. You might be asking why. One reason is that vertebrates are usually ___________________than
invertebrates. They need more space. Another reason is that, even though they are more advanced, there are many
limitations on the environments that are available to them.
THEY'VE GOT THE BRAINS
Vertebrates are smart. Some of them are very smart. We mean you. Most vertebrates have very advanced
______________________________.
Here Fishy Fishy
1. Fish began their evolutionary development about 500 million years ago as a fish-like organism without a
___________.
There are four main types of fish. Name the type of fish and an example of each. Which of the group of fish do
you find most fascinating?
1. ________________________________: Example ________________
_________________________
2. ________________________________: Example ________________
3. ________________________________: Example ________________
Waterfall climbing fish? Cool! Watch the video!
Reason: __________________
_________________________
_________________________
_
Amphibians: Slimy is good
1. Amphibians are the evolutionary step that happened when animals left the oceans and lakes and came on to
______________.
2. What is the importance of moist skin? _____________________________________.
3. What has been the downfall of having moist skin for the frogs?
______________________________________________________________________.
4. What are the only amphibians without legs? ____________________________. How would this be an advantage?
______________________________________________________________________.
Disappearing Frogs! What the video!
Reptiles
1. Some scientist believe that alligators and crocodiles are more closely related to _________ than other reptiles!
2. Name two outrageous facts about snakes
a. ____________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________
3. What is the difference between a turtle and tortoise? ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Both turtles and tortoises belong to the order _____________________
The Gila Monster! Check out this video clip.
Traits of Reptiles
Describe 4 adaptations that helped the reptiles survive on land. Explain the adaptations significance to living on land.
1. Dry Skin-______________________________________________________________________________
2. Eggs-_________________________________________________________________________________
3. Larger Skeleton-_________________________________________________________________________
4. Leg Shift-______________________________________________________________________________
Birds
1. Scientist believe that birds are most closely related to what other vertebrates? ______________________
2. What is different about how birds regulate their body heat and how reptiles do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Not all birds can fly! Explain how the ostriche and penguin have adapted other ways of locomotion.
a. Ostriche: __________________________________________________________________.
b. Penguin: __________________________________________________________________.
4. What adaptation of the bird did Charles Darwin study on his adventures around the world?
________________________________________________________________________________.
Check out the Loon Video!
Explain how the following characteristics were adaptations that helped birds succeed.
1. Feathers: __________________________________________________________
2. Hard Shell: _________________________________________________________
3. Hollow Bones: ______________________________________________________
Explain what the following terms that characterize mammals mean and then provide one example of a
mammal who is classified in each.
1. Monotremes: _________________________________________________________
a. Example: ______________________________________
2. Marsupials: __________________________________________________________
a. Example: ______________________________________
3. Placental: ____________________________________________________________
a. Example: ______________________________________
Check out the Giant Anteater Video!
What was the MOST interesting fact you learned from this webquest:
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________