Drew's+inner+fish+homework

Drew Rechter

Human Biology

August 18, 2008

(1) Describe at least three important PHYSICAL traits in humans that were found in fish first.

-big centralized brain enclosed in a protective bony skull with all sensory organs attatched -pairs of senses -pairs of appendages

(2) Describe a SOCIAL trait in humans that was found in fish first.

When fish help other fish/”pay to stay”

(3) What is an African cichlid and what behavior do they have that resembles social behavior in humans. Describe.

They live in large groups of 10 with a dominant couple and some helpers

(4) Why is it interesting that femaie guppies may go through menopause?

It is interesting because it lasts longer than the reproductive lifespan of the fish.

(5) Which genes in humans shifted color during migration from one part of the world to another and also shift in color in fish?

The genes responsible for skin pigmentation.

(6) What is the significance to human biology that fish are the oldest group of vertebrates?

It is significant because they are the earliest possessors of rudimentary teeth, skulls, and spinal cords that human also possess

(7) Competition and predation among fish species led to the evolution of two important physical traits found in humans. What are these two traits and how did competition and predation spur their evolution?

-The power to hoist ones self out of the water -upper body strength

(8) What is unusual about the Tiktaalik?

It has scales like a fish but it has a flat head on top and a neck. It is part fish part land animal.

(9) What bones in the "arm" of a Tiktaalik are also found in human arms?

The humorous, the elbow, the forearm, and the wrist bones and fingers.

(10) Explain why a hiccup be a relic of our fish ancestors?

The hiccup brain patterns can be found in our fish ancestors.