Invertebrate Paleontology
(Geology 250)

Sample Test

LECTURE EXAMINATION #1
Invertebrate Paleontology
September 28, 2006
[This test is due at 9:30 a.m.]

1. Describe two problems we potentially have when describing species by morphological (and not reproductive) criteria. [7 points]

2. Taxonomic names are the language of systematic paleontology and biology. Without a universal system for naming organisms, fossil and recent, these sciences would be chaotic. If you decide to name a new fossil, what official ICZN requirements must you meet before that name is considered valid? Assume that this fossil really is new and that no one has described it before. [9 points]

3. Identify, define and/or describe any three of the following terms. Be sure to include dates, examples and diagrams where appropriate. When possible, mention any special significance for paleontology. [15 points total]
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nomen oblitum or nomen nudum

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Leibig’s Law of the Minimum

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Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle

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mantle

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lophophore
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4. Fill in the blanks! [10 points total]

These conical organisms built “reefs” in the Cambrian: ___________________________

Two names for the same species; the later one is the junior ___________________________

Vertical partitions in corallites (and your nose): ___________________________

This kingdom is single-celled and eucaryotic: ___________________________

Members of the Class Bacillariophyceae are commonly known as: _________________________

5. Many cnidarians and radiolarians possess zooxanthellae in their tissues. Please describe what these zooxanthellae are and then tell me the various features of their mutualistic relationships with their hosts. [9 points]

6. Label the parts! Please label all the parts you can on the brachiopod drawn below. You do not need to label all the features which have lines drawn to them. Please also include indications of the posterior, anterior, dorsal and ventral. [9 points]

7. Sponges come in three organizational grades: sycon, leucon and ascon. Please distinguish between these grades below, using simple labeled diagrams. [9 points]

8. At least some foraminiferans have an unusual reproductive cycle known as the alternation of generations. Briefly describe the process below with a fully labeled diagram, and then tell me what possible advantages the organisms derive from it. [10 points total]

9. The classifications of foraminiferans, poriferans, and brachiopods are especially plagued by the problem of homeomorphy. Please explain what homeomorphy is and why it is a problem in paleontological classifications. [7 points]

10. What evidence do we cite for our hypothesis that the stromatoporoids were sponges? [5 points]

11. Please draw below a cross-section of a sponge wall, showing all the relevant cell types and spicules. Be sure to indicate which is the outside of the sponge and which is the inside. [10 points]

Bonus: Identify (give the most specific name, including the taxonomic rank) the fossils decorating this exam. Place the name beside the diagram. One bonus point will be awarded for each properly spelled (oh yes!), correct name.