ASSIGNMENT III
BIOL 1020 Online
Introduction to Biology II

The following questions for you to answer are to prepare you for the types of
questions encountered on exams. Please upload the answers to your instructor
by the appropriate due date.
1. Fungi are significant contributors to the health of an ecosystem. Discuss the
importance of fungi being a decomposer.
2. Lichens can often survive in rocky, bare environments. What are lichens, and why do
their lifestyle characteristics make them so well adapted to barren environments?
3. What makes an animal an animal? In other words, what are the general
characteristics shared by all animals?
4. You have been asked to distinguish between a flatworm, a roundworm, and an
annelid worm. Identify and discuss two key features you will use for each of these
worms that will allow you to complete your task.
5. Imagine you are on a marine expedition and you uncover a variety of previously
unknown invertebrates. Discuss the major characteristics you will use to assign them
to their correct phylum.
6. First, compare and contrast the amphibian and reptile classes by discussing three
key similarities and differences. Next, discuss how reptiles have evolved from
amphibians.
7. Birds are an everyday part of our lives, but are significant because they are one of
only two vertebrate groups with the ability to fly. Discuss four adaptations that have
allowed birds to fly.
8. First identify the four distinguishing features that all chordates share. Few of these

features are obvious in adult chordates. Provide two specific examples to illustrate
how a chordate feature is modified during embryonic development.