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PRIFYSGOL ABERYSTWYTH UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND RURAL SCIENCES
SEMESTER 2 EXAMINATIONS 2009
MODULE BS23820 – ADVANCED VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
Time allowed – 3 hours
Answer TWO questions from SECTION A and TWO questions from SECTION B. The
questions carry equal marks.
SECTION A
1. Discuss the theories of the origin of powered flight within the evolutionary
transition from reptiles to modern birds.
2. Compare and contrast the buccal pump and aspiration pump mechanisms for
breathing air.
3. Describe adaptations of the axial skeleton (vertebral column and ribs) of
terrestrial vertebrates for support and locomotion on land.
4. Both metatheria and eutheria have placentae. Use diagrams to illustrate the
different types of placentae found in these animals and provide a named
example of an animal with each different type of placenta.
5. A crocodile sees a zebra crossing a river. The crocodile chases the zebra, kills
it and eats it. Describe the sensory and neurological pathways and
mechanisms, from initial perception of the zebra to its digestion. Include
details of relevant pathways, brain regions, divisions of the nervous system
and neurotransmitters.
Turn over
