A Guide to Vertebrates and Invertebrates

Animal classification is a matter of sorting out similarities and differences, of placing animals in groups and then breaking those groups apart into subgroups. The whole endeavor creates a structure—a hierarchy in which the large high-level groups sort out bold and obvious differences, while the low-level groups tease apart subtle, almost imperceptible, variations. This sorting process enables scientists to describe evolutionary relationships, identify shared traits, and highlight unique characteristics down through the various levels of animal groups and subgroups. Among the most basic criteria by which animals are sorted is whether or not they possess a backbone. This single trait places an animal into one of just two groups: the vertebrates or the invertebrates and represents a fundamental division among all animals alive today as well as those that have long ago disappeared. If we are to know anything about an animal, we should first aim to determine whether it is an invertebrate or a vertebrate. Well then be on our way to understanding its place within the animal world. What are Vertebrates? Vertebrates (Subphylum Vertebrata) are animals that possess an internal skeleton (endoskeleton) that includes a backbone made up of a column of vertebrae (Keeton, 1986:1150). The Subphylum Vertebrata is a group within the Phylum Chordata (commonly called the chordates) and as such inherits the characteristics of all chordates: bilateral symmetrybody segmentationendoskeleton (bony or cartilaginous)pharyngeal pouches (present during some stage of development)complete digestive systemventral heartclosed blood systemtail (at some stage of development) In addition to the traits listed above, vertebrates possess one additional trait that makes them unique among chordates: the presence of a backbone. There are a few groups of chordates that do not possess a backbone (these organisms are not vertebrates and are instead referred to as invertebrate chordates). The animal classes that are vertebrates include: Jawless fish (Class Agnatha)Armored fish (Class Placodermi) - extinctCartilaginous fish (Class Chondrichthyes)Bony fish (Class Osteichthyes)Amphibians (Class Amphibia)Reptiles (Class Reptilia)Birds (Class Aves)Mammals (Class Mammalia) What are Invertebrates? Invertebrates are a broad collection of animal groups (they do not belong to a single subphylum like the vertebrates) all of which lack a backbone. Some (not all) of the animal groups that are invertebrates include: Sponges (Phylum Porifera)Jellyfish, hydras, sea anemones, corals (Phylum Cnidaria)Comb jellies (Phylum Ctenophora)Flatworms (Phylum Platyhelminthes)Mollusks (Phylum Mollusca)Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)Segmented worms (Phylum Annelida)Echinoderms (Phylum Echinodermata) In total, there are at least 30 groups of invertebrates that scientists have identified to date. A vast proportion, 97 percent, of animal species alive today are invertebrates. The earliest of all animals to have evolved were invertebrates and the various forms that have developed during their long evolutionary past is highly diverse. All invertebrates are ectotherms, that is they do not produce their own body heat but instead acquire it from their environment.

Essay about Gang Violence Problem on the Rise - 1896 Words

What ever happened to kids wanting saying they wanted to be a police officer, fireman, doctor or teacher when they grow up? Does anyone ever say, when I grow up I want to be in a gang? According to the National Gang Threat Assessment there are over one million gang members in California and over forty percent are under the age of eighteen. Just in Fresno alone there are over twelve thousand gang members and over 500 gangs (Overend). Gang violence is a growing problem and if we don’t try to control it now it will be a bigger problem in the future. According to the National Gang History, gangs started out in India in the year 1200 AD when a group of criminals used to roam the town committing burglaries and crimes.†¦show more content†¦(Overend) â€Å"Out of the one million gang members about 400,000 are teens, 90%-94% are male.† (Gang Statistics) When conducting a survey on gang violence I asked fifty people, â€Å"What are the top five gangs here in Fresno?† and the top five were Bulldogs, Surenos, Crips, Bloods, and Asian Boyz. The most known gang in Fresno are the Bulldogs. (Rosas) They represent themselves not so much by color but by the Fresno State Bulldog symbol. The Bulldog gang is the biggest gang here in Fresno with over 4,000 members. (Gang Statistics) Most Bulldog gang members usually have dog paws tattooed or many will get the whole dog face tatted on them. Bulldogs do not have any specific number or color to represent them, but Fresno State apparel is usually red, blue, black, or white. Sur enos are another popular gang in Fresno, most surenos are Mexican, Hispanic, or Latino. Their color to wear or represent is blue, therefore they will carry a blue rag with them most of the time. Tatoos they usually have are â€Å"south side†, the number 13, three dots (each dot stand for one word in â€Å"mi vida loca†), and when they have killed someone they will have a tear drop tattooed on the side of their eye. They will also use a rosary around there neck to show respect for god, but it is also something that represents the sureno gang in general. Bloods were originally known as the Piru gang. (Walker) The name Piru came from Piru Street in Compton, CaliforniaShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at Gang Violence1075 Words   |  4 Pagesones being murdered by violent street gang members. These victims often had nothing to do with the gangs or gang members that killed them. 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New Religious Movements Religion Free Essays

When studied, compared, and scrutinized, every religion – though said to be basically similar in that all believe and worship a god/gods – is actually different from each other in many respects. Before tackling diversities however, it is better to start with similarities. Many people view all adherents of any religions share at the very least certain commonalities such as historical roots, practices/rituals, and doctrines. We will write a custom essay sample on New Religious Movements Religion or any similar topic only for you Order Now In other words, to be considered religious, one must be a follower of a certain form of ritual/practice prescribed by a founder or guru, a worshiper or believer of a god – whatever or whoever that god might be. When looked at the surface, this might be true. However, looking closely and seeking out the nuances, one can find real diversities. For example, for a Jew and a Muslim, Christianity is a religion represented by Vatican and the pope as its representative. To the eyes of these two, no differences whatsoever are detected between a devout Roman Catholic and a Protestant and a Mormon. Of course when investigated, marked differences come to the surface and the initial seemingly unified similarities are gone. Actually, differences are underscored every time there occurs along the way a deviation from the fundamentals of any religion. In the history of Christianity alone, schisms are either a deviation or a return to its roots (Adherents.com, 2007). Effects of Religious Pluralism Post your response to this question: What effect do you think religious pluralism and the interfaith movement will have on the future of organized religion? Explain your answer. Religious pluralism and interfaith movement are recently advocated by proponents from different religions with certain political aims. For instance, during Holy Week in 1971, there were many demonstrations conducted by different religious groups to voice their antiwar protests. Professor Robert McAfee Brown of Stanford University was among those arrested for blocking the way to a draft board office in Berkeley, California. He said he chose to preach his sermon â€Å"not in a church but on a pavement, not with words but with a deed† (Microsoft Encarta, 2007). Though there are certain benefits to it in terms of rights, there are also disadvantages and innumerable damages that may have paved the way for further confusion in the future. In what ways has learning about world religions influenced the way you think about religion? Why is it important to learn about other peoples’ beliefs and attitudes? How will you utilize this information in the future? Knowledge of World religions Knowledge of the different religions of the world and their adherents’ beliefs and practices is necessary for a better understanding of different peoples and cultures. Religious tolerance means differently when taken in the light of this endeavor. The ability to understand world religions and appreciate people because of their different persuasions and beliefs mean a more empathic and compassionate stance towards any group, ethnic or religious assemblage. Those who differ from us will not be seen as enemies, which oftentimes have become a common experience (Adherents.com, 2007). Reference: ________ Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents, 2007. Retrieved March 11, 2008 http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html ________ Microsoft Encarta. 2007. How to cite New Religious Movements Religion, Essay examples