2.5 - Metabolism in Adverse Conditions

Question 1

Metabolism in Adverse Conditions

Answer 1

Many environments vary beyond tolerable limits for normal metabolic activity for any particular organism.

Some animals have adapted to survive these adverse conditions whilst others avoid them.

Question 2

Dormancy

Answer 2

Dormancy is a part of an organism’s lifecycle to allow them to survive periods when the cost of continued normal metabolic activity would be too high.

Metaolic rate, heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature are reduced during dormancy to save energy.

Question 3

Types of Dormancy

Answer 3

Predictive: Dormancy occurs before the onset of adverse conditions

Consequential: Dormany occurs after the onset of adverse conditions.

Question 4

Examples of Dormancy
Hibernation

Answer 4

Some mammals survive winter/low temperatures by hibernating. This is predictive dormancy. E.g hedgehogs

Question 5

Examples of Dormancy
Aestivation

Answer 5

Aestivation allows survival in periods of high temperatures or drought. This is consequential dormancy. E.g snail

Question 6

Examples of Dormancy
Daily Torpor

Answer 6

Daily Torpor is a period of reduced activity in some animals with high metabolic rates.

Question 7

Migration

Answer 7

Migration allows animals to avoid metabolic adversity by expending energy to relocate to a more suitable environment. Migration behaviour can be innate or learned.

Question 8

Innate

Answer 8

Behaviour is inherited from parents

Question 9

Learned

Answer 9

Behaviour gained through experience

Question 10

Specialised Techniques

Answer 10

Specialised techniques are used in studies of long-range migration. Examples of specialised techniques include:

• Satellite tracking
• Leg rings