How Tongues Helped Vertebrates Conquer Land

The video explores the evolutionary significance of tongues, starting with fish that lack true tongues and use suction feeding. It details the transition of vertebrates to land, highlighting the role of the hyoid bone in tongue evolution. Two main hypotheses are discussed: tongues evolving for food movement or capture. The video concludes with the adaptation of tongues in amniotes, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments.

What structure do fish have that resembles a tongue but is not a true tongue?

• Gill

• Basihyal

• Pharynx

• Hyoid

Which group of bony fishes made the move to land during the Devonian period?

• Sarcopterygians

• Actinopterygians

• Chondrichthyans

• Placoderms

What role does the hyoid bone play in modern tetrapods?

• Supports the fins

• Supports the gills

• Supports the lungs

• Supports the tongue

Which hypothesis suggests that tongues evolved to help move food from the mouth to the throat?

• Food capture hypothesis

• Suction feeding hypothesis

• Food transport hypothesis

• Gill support hypothesis

What unique feeding strategy do mudskippers use that involves a hydrodynamic tongue?

• Biting prey directly

• Using a sticky tongue

• Spitting water on food

• Suction feeding in water

What adaptation allowed amniotes to lay eggs in drier environments?

• Sturdy eggshells

• Development of lungs

• Longer limbs

• Scaly skin

What material covers the tongues of reptiles and mammals to prevent moisture loss?

• Calcium

• Chitin

• Keratin

• Collagen