ZOOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS

The prolific use of detailed artwork intro-
duces the many worlds of zoological
science and the classifications that syste-
matize its diversity. Discounts of 25% or
more on bundled sets.

TAXONOMY, CLASSIFICATION, HOMOLOGY
Systematics, the binomial system and how it is used to classify organisms, and an introduction to biological analogy and homology. 3 pgms. 56 slides and guides.
EPSS-0470X SLIDES
$89.95

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SAVE OVER $29.00 ON 3 SLIDE SET BUNDLE ORDER EP #SS-0470X.....$89.95
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TAXONOMY Slides order #SS-0470S............$34.95

Using photos and artwork, the binomial classification system is explained from
a functional and evolutionary viewpoint, leading to an introduction of dichotomous keys.
The show closes by emphasizing the interrelationships of form and function and the
dynamic nature of the species concept. 15 slides & guide. (Filmstrip SS-0470F...$15.00.)

CONTENT SAMPLE: 12. The characteristics which position an organism in its approp-
riate taxonomic position are also used to identify an unfamiliar organism. A device commonly
used for this purpose is a dichotomous key. In a dichotomous key, couplets of contrasting
characters are sequentially presented. The two sets of characters are compared with the
organism in question, and the more appropriate set is chosen. This choice leads to another
contrasting couplet, and so on until the desired taxonomic identity is uncovered. Presented here
is a simplified dichotomous key which distinguishes representatives of the four categories of
organisms.
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CLASSIFICATION AND PHYLOGENY Slides order #SS-1000S..........$49.95

A survey of the principles of systematics. Consideration is given to taxonomy
stressing the scheme and basis of classification. Presents the major supra phyletic
categories and phyla, primary subdivisions of the phyla and an evolution chart. 27
frames/guide. (Filmstrip order SS-1000F.........$15.00.)

CONTENT SAMPLE: 2. The first and most obvious approach to grouping organisms is
to look at the similarities in appearance between them. For example, all those that have either fur
or scales, feathers, hooves, two legs, six legs, wings, etc., can be grouped together.

A second basis for taxonomic classification that is less apparent and often indeter-
minable, is the geneologic relationship among lineages of life forms. Since the recognition
of organic evolution, taxonomists have been trying to express classification in terms of common
descent, but since this relies on the fossil record, there are many missing pieces to the puzzle.
The evolutionary history of an organism is referred to as “phylogeny.” In many cases this type of
categorization leads to the same groupings as does morphological classification. One interesting
case of conflict is that of the Australian marsupial wolf. This animals looks and behaves much
like the North American timber wolf, but evolutionarily it is grouped with the very different looking
kangaroo.

A third basis for taxonomic classification groups individuals together into species
according to the number of characteristics that they share. This system has quantitative
significance and draws no inferences from evolutionary relationships. Thus it is sometimes
referred to as “quantitative” or “numerical” taxonomy. This scheme has been revived recently,
especially among plant taxonomists. The numerical data that it is based upon can be easily
analyzed by modern computer methods. Rates of evolutionary change or mutation can even be
deduced by measuring the changes over time, in a particular characteristic such as tooth size,
leg length, etc.

Fourth, modern biochemists and molecular geneticists have also begun to analyze the
genetic make-up of organisms and are coming to conclusions about the degree of relatedness
between individuals based on similarities in amino acid sequencing within DNA protein strands,
or upon recognition of RNA codons by transfer RNA of another species. These new biochemical
methods represent powerful tools to the taxonomist, but are employed mostly as a backup or
supportive system to more common methods. Morphological evidence, to a remarkable degree,
parallels all other indicators of relatedness and serves as the most generally employed and most
readily studied classification approach.
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BIOLOGICAL ANALOGY AND HOMOLOGY Slides order #SS-0280S........$34.95

A morphological overview of embryological and functional relationships in the
Animal Kingdom. 14 frames and guide. (Filmstrip order SS-0280F ......$15.00.)

CONTENT SAMPLE: 11. Vertebrate embryology is replete with homology. Seen here
are diagrams of prenatal circulatory systems of a fish, reptile and mammal. All these systems
stemmed from a common ancestor with six aortic arches. All six arches appear in vertebrate
embryos, yet, depending on the organism, different arches degenerate during ontogeny.
Nevertheless ventral and dorsal aortas remain intact, and the sixth arch invariably supplies the
respiratory system. From the amphibians and higher, the third arch becomes the carotid artery.
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~0723-017~ Diagram of taxonomic relationships. graphic by Educational Images Ltd.

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