Evolution of Jaws in Fish Term Paper by Nicky
Evolution of Jaws in Fish
$19.95
Buy and instantly download this paper now
Description:
This paper examines the various species of fish from an evolutionary standpoint, emphasizing the development of their jaws over time. First, the paper discusses how the evolution of the jaw has allowed a huge diversification among fish species. Then, the paper describes how jawed fish evolved out of the earlier jawless species from pre-historic times. Next, the paper shows how the evolution of the jaw created and changed general patterns of predatory and defense mechanisms, such as less of a need for body armor for protection. The paper concludes by noting that musculature of fish changed dramatically based on the evolution of the jaws.
From the Paper:
"The evolution of teeth within the jaw context depended greatly on the individual habitat which bred the world's fish. Each individual species followed different evolutionary paths based primarily on the food available within their habitats. For example, teleost fish tend to swallow their prey whole and not use their jaws to crush food because their diet calls for appropriate food sources. Thus, another aspect of fish morphology was influenced by jaws. Some fish, like the lung fish, developed flat teeth to grind invertebrates which comprised their diet (Benton & Harper 2009). The evolution of other species such as the sharks produced animals that now have entirely cartilage frames other then the bone within their jaws. The cartilage allows for swifter movement, creating the possibility of the ultimate ocean predator. Therefore, the make up of the musculature of fish changed dramatically based on the evolution of the jaws. Fish became much faster and more agile, eventually becoming the swift creatures we know them as today. Fish have developed both predatory and defensive behaviors thanks to the evolution of his jaws, "jaws allowed defensive behaviors that these fished could use both intra- and inter-specifically and offered them greater opportunities to manipulate the environment in building nests or grasping mates," (Strickberger 2000:402). The evolution of the jaw was a critical step in the diversification of the larger body of fish species."Sample of Sources Used:
- Benton, Michael J. & Harper, David A. (2009). Introduction to Paleobiology and the Fossil Record. 1st ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Kagle, Rebecca. (1997). The evolutionary steps of fish. Serendip. Retrieved October 26, 2009 at http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1904
- Strickgerger, Monroe W. (2000). Evolution. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Cite this Term Paper:
APA Format
Evolution of Jaws in Fish (2012, May 21)
Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/evolution-of-jaws-in-fish-151066/
MLA Format
"Evolution of Jaws in Fish" 21 May 2012.
Web. 29 March. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/evolution-of-jaws-in-fish-151066/>