Module 1 - What is BIology?

Question 1

Biological adaptation

Answer 1

an anatomical structure, physiological process or behavioural trait of an organism that increases its expected long-term reproductive success

Question 2

How has marine iguana’s evolved?

Answer 2

• flattened tails to assist in swimming
• powerful limbs with strong claws to hold onto rocks to feed (can only spend certain amount of time in water
• blunt noses for grazing on seaweed

Question 3

How does the marine iguana respond to the salty water?

Answer 3

• they have salt glands under their skin, between eyes and nostrils on both sides of head
• takes salt and concentrates it behind the nostril and sneezes ity out (forms white wig)

Question 4

What is biology?

Answer 4

scientific study of life/living things

Question 5

Endemic species

Answer 5

species live in only one or a very small number of places (island, lake)
- occurs naturally

Question 6

Cosmopolitan species

Answer 6

occur in most/many region of the world (introduced into many different areas)

Question 7

What is the blue-footed booby addapted for?

Answer 7

diving into water
- stream lined shape, large tail, and nostrils that closed for diving
- large webbed feet propel it through water at high speed
- specialized salt-secreding glands to manage salt intake
- uropygial gland to keep feathers dry to get off water

Question 8

What is Greater frigates adapted for?

Answer 8

aerial life
- highest ratio of wing span/weight (soaring)
- tiny unwebbed feet (small finger)
- vestigial uropygial gland, waterproofing unnecessary (overtime gland becomes smaller and smaller)

Question 9

Intraspecific vs Interspecific differences

Answer 9

Interspecific: between or among species (comparing species A to B)
Intraspecific: comparing within a species

Question 10

What are the adaptations for Nudibranchs?

Answer 10

• usually brightly covered to advertise to predators that they are unpalatable (not great for taste) chemical defense for protection
• many have skin glands that produce sulphuric acid or toxin to repel predators

Question 11

Why is the red sponge nudibranch red?

Answer 11

• colour is used for camouflage when they are living on red and orange sponges (protection)

Question 12

Adaptations for the Red sponge Nudibranch

Answer 12

• some utilize undischarged nematocysts (stinging cells) from their prey (consumed then transferred to tips of cerata)

Question 13

What are the two functions of cerata? (nudibranch)

Answer 13

• used for gas exchange
• used for defense

Question 14

What is a anatomical structure?

Answer 14

• structure that may have more than one function

Question 15

What is the unifying principle of biology?

Answer 15

Evolution: living things change gradually from one form into another over course of time

Question 16

Why are there few museums of biology?

Answer 16

• usually called museums of natural history (study of natural objects)
• usually broader

Question 17

Deductive reasoning:

Answer 17

specific observations predicted from a general premise

Question 18

Inductive reasoning:

Answer 18

**General conclusions are drawn from specific observations

Question 19

How does the scientific method work?

Answer 19

1. Observations
2. Question
3. Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Results
6. Support for hypothesis

Question 20

What are Polar bear adaptations?

Answer 20

• live in cold temperatures (blubber, thick layer of fur, small ears for heat loss)
• moving across snow, ice and open water (strong legs, large feet)
• hunt for prey (sharp teeth and claws)

Question 21

Adaptation definition

Answer 21

• evolutionary process where a population becomes better suited to its habitat

Question 22

Structural adaptation

Answer 22

physical structure of an organism
Ex. cerata of nudibranch increases surface area for gas exchange

Question 23

Physiological adaptation (inside)

Answer 23

Chemical change inside organism
Ex. skunk releases smelling spray to ward of predators

Question 24

Behavioural adaptations (only to animals)

Answer 24

response by animal to an external stimuli
- for food resources and chance of survival
Ex. hibernation by polar bears during winter