Lab 8 Animal Diversity Name:

Animal Diversity:
1. List 3 ways invertebrates differ from vertebrates.
Firstly, unlike vertebrates, invertebrates do not have the vertebral column or backbone. Most tend to rely on the
exoskeleton for support. Others like octopus have a soft body structure.
Secondly, invertebrates have a simpler nervous system as compared to vertebrates that have brain and complex nervous
networks. Invertebrates tend to have nerve nets, ganglia or clusters of nerve cells.
Thirdly, invertebrates have a simple circulatory system. Some organisms exhibit an open circulatory system where the
blood bathes the organs directly while in others it is enclosed in vessels. On the other hand, vertebrates have a complex
circulatory system compromised of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. They have a closed circulatory system where
blood is enclosed in the vessels.

2. List 4 different types of invertebrates common in WA. Provide 2 pictures from the internet and list 2
major functions they have (ecological, economical or both)
a. Insects- butterflies, beetles, bees and ants
b. Arachnids- spiders, scorpions
c. Mollusks- snails and slugs
d. Annelids- earthworms

Bees - they are great pollinators helping to ensure reproduction in plants. They also produce honey which is used by
human beings as food and is also sold to earn money.
Snails- they eat decaying organic matter thus helping in the process of decomposition. Some snails burrow the soil thus
improving soil aeration.

3. Based off the video on Salmon and forests, why is it concerning when salmon runs are drastically
reduced? Describe 3 ways they impact the ecosystems they inhabit, and 2 reasons humans rely on them.
a. Salmon is a major source of food for more than 137 species who feed on their eggs, young or adults.
b. Their carcasses and droppings from animals that feed on them provide nutrients to the surrounding forests.

c. They move gravel in the riverbeds contributing to the formation of soil in the lower parts of the river.
4. Based off the video that discussed the role of Beavers, explain how they impact the ecosystem to
support other species.
Beavers have been known to build dams along streams and rivers. This increases the level of water in the beds of these
rivers thus creating wetlands. This has contributed to increased numbers of fish, especially salmon which now have better
spawning grounds and shelter during drought and flooding periods. The increased wetlands have also encouraged the
growth of different varieties of plants.

5. Fill in the chart below.

Mammals Amphibians Reptiles Fish Birds

Live Both Both Both Lay Eggs Lay Eggs

Birth/Eggs/Both
Warm or Cold Warm Cold blooded Cold blooded Cold blooded Warm blooded
Blooded blooded

How many 6596 8536 11,188 36,367 11,188

species?
List 4 unique Hair/fur, Have moist skin Have scales Have fins Have feathers
characteristics
Mammary Have metamorphosis Have internal Have gills Have hallow
glands, fertilization bones
Have a dual life Have swim
Three middle stage; they live one Have amniotic bladders Have beaks
ear bones, part of their lives in eggs.
water and the other Have the Have a keel
Neocortex on land Moist skin lateral line for which is a
sensing it projection on the
Have permeable skin surrounding breastbone for
which allows them to anchorage of
absorb water and flight muscles
oxygen
List 6 examples Humans Lions Frogs Lizard Salmon Eagles Sparrows
Whales Salamanders Snakes Goldfish Penguins
Bats Newts Crocodiles Sharks Ostriches Parrots
Elephants Toads Gecko Clownfish Flamingos
Kangaroos Caecilians Komodo Tuna
Axolotls dragon Eels
chameleon

6. Identify 4 invasive animal species in WA, 4 keystone species in WA. List 2 ways each organism impacts
its habitat.
European green Crabs, Northern Giant Hornets, Gypsy Moth, Quagga/zebra mussels are four examples of invasive
species. 4 key stone species that exist in Washington State include Salmon, Beavers, Gray Wolf and the Sea Otter. Salmon
provides food to more than 137 species that feed on their eggs, young and adults. Their carcasses also decompose
providing essential nutrients that promote plant growth.
Beavers create dams that enable the growth of wetlands influencing the growth and development of animals like salmon
and various types of plants that are highly defendant on water. They also alter landscapes thus helping to create habitats
for various organisms. Gray wolves regulate the populations of herbivores by eating them thus controlling overgrazing
and promoting vegetation diversity. They also influence the behavior of these herbivores by influencing their movements
through migration thus affecting browsing patterns and plant community structures. The Sea Otter controls the
populations of sea urchins thus preventing overgrazing of kelp forests. They promote biodiversity through their influence
on the abundance of various prey species.

7. Based off the video of wolves in Yellowstone, explain how their reintroduction helped save the
Yellowstone ecosystem. Include 4 ways they positively changed the park.
As apex predators, wolves played a crucial role in controlling the populations of herbivores, particularly elk, which had
previously been unchecked. This regulation led to a cascade of effects, including the regeneration of vegetation such as
willows and aspens that had suffered from overgrazing. Changes in elk behavior, as they sought to avoid predation,
influenced grazing patterns and allowed for a more diverse and dynamic landscape. The recovery of vegetation had
positive cascading effects on the ecosystem, providing habitat for various species, stabilizing stream banks, and fostering
increased biodiversity. The reintroduction of wolves not only impacted large herbivores but also influenced the
distribution and behavior of smaller mammals like beavers, birds, and other predators. Overall, the return of wolves to
Yellowstone showcased the intricate connections within ecosystems and highlighted the importance of top predators in
maintaining ecological balance.

8. Why should anyone care about invasive species? How much money does the United States spend yearly
trying to control invasive species?
Invasive species compete with native species for resources. Where they emerge on top, decline of native species will be
experienced leading to a decline in biodiversity and disruption in the ecosystem. They also could harm agriculture like the
Giant hornet killing large colonies of bees, forests like the effect of the Gypsy Moth and fisheries like the European Green
crab. This leads to very high economic losses. some invasive species also could spread disease or cause allergic reaction
sin human beings and other organisms. It is estimated that the United States spends billions of dollars in it preventing &
controlling their spread and mitigating the adverse effects that such invasive species have. The cost implication is tied to
research and monitoring. Preventing and controlling the spread of such organisms.

9. Which group of invertebrates is the most abundant and diverse? Why do you think this is?
Arthropods are the most abundant and diverse group of invertebrates. This group includes insects (bees, butterflies),
arachnids (spiders, scorpions), myriapods (centipedes, millipedes), and crustaceans (crabs, lobsters, shrimp). Arthropoda
can highly adapt to diverse habitats. They exhibit an exoskeleton which provides support and protection. Their bodies are
segmented with each part having specialized function contributing to their adaptability. Many undergo metamorphosis and
this leads to specialization of body forms at different stages increasing ecological adaptability. They also have various
means of reproduction and short life spans that enable them to mass reproduce thus ensuring that they have large number
of offspring thus ensuring the continuation of their species,

10. If invertebrates lack brains how could they be described as intelligent? Select 2 specific invertebrates
and describe what their niche is and how they would demonstrate higher level thinking. Attach a picture
for each of the invertebrates you select.
Intelligence in invertebrates is often associated with decentralized nervous systems, specialized ganglia, and behaviors
that demonstrate learning, memory, and adaptation to their environments. An example of invertebrates that show a higher
form of intelligence are the octopus and the honeybee. The octopus for instance, lives in the oceans and shows high
problem-solving capabilities and intelligence. They, unlike other invertebrates, have a well-developed nervous system
with a highly developed nervous system up even in their arms. Octopuses are known for their ability to solve problems,
escape enclosure and mimic other marine animals for camouflage and hunting. Observations suggest that octopuses can
learn through observation and experience. The honeybee on the other hand, is an insect and lives in colonies and exhibits
a complex social structure with individuals having different specialized functions at each level. It demonstrates a higher
level of thinking through its mode of communication. Honeybees have a type of wiggle where they appear to dance. The
speed and direction of their wiggle conveys information about the location of food or suitable locations for their hives.
They also display learning and memory capabilities through their recognition of floral patterns and their navigation back
to the hive. They also show a collective decision-making process through consensus for determination of new hive
locations through their dance as well.