Chapter 24.1, Problem 1NV

Summary Introduction

To compare:

The terms vertebrate, invertebrate, endoskeleton, internal fertilization, external fertilization, blastula, gastrula, hermaphrodite, and zygote.

Explanation of Solution

Vertebrates are the organism, which posses a backbone and a skeleton. The invertebrates are animals that are chordates, but they do not have a backbone.

An endoskeleton is a supporting structure, which is present in the interior of the body. It provides ad protection to the body and internal organs. Generally, the endoskeleton is made up of bone and cartilage. An exoskeleton is a supporting structure that is visible from outside and protects from external damage to the body of an organism.

External fertilization is the fusion of the male and female gametes outside the body of an organism. The external fertilization generally takes place in the aquatic organism. Internal fertilization is a process, in which males release sperm or male gamete in the body of females and the fusion of gametes takes place inside the female body.

Blastula is an early embryonic stage which is a hollow sphere of cells that surround the inner fluid cavity that is blastocoel. It is the embryonic stage following blastula and it is characterized by three distinct embryonic layers, endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm.

Hermaphrodites are the organism that has both male and female reproductive organs in their body.

Zygote is a cell, which is formed by the fusion of male and female gamete as a result of fertilization. The formation of a zygote is the first stage of the production of a new individual.