Module 1 - What is BIology? Flashcards
Biological adaptation
an anatomical structure, physiological process or behavioural trait of an organism that increases its expected long-term reproductive success
How has marine iguana’s evolved?
- 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
How does the marine iguana respond to the salty water?
- 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)
What is biology?
scientific study of life/living things
Endemic species
species live in only one or a very small number of places (island, lake)
- occurs naturally
Cosmopolitan species
occur in most/many region of the world (introduced into many different areas)
What is the blue-footed booby addapted for?
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
What is Greater frigates adapted for?
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)
Intraspecific vs Interspecific differences
Interspecific: between or among species (comparing species A to B)
Intraspecific: comparing within a species
What are the adaptations for Nudibranchs?
- 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
Why is the red sponge nudibranch red?
- colour is used for camouflage when they are living on red and orange sponges (protection)
Adaptations for the Red sponge Nudibranch
- some utilize undischarged nematocysts (stinging cells) from their prey (consumed then transferred to tips of cerata)
What are the two functions of cerata? (nudibranch)
- used for gas exchange
- used for defense
What is a anatomical structure?
- structure that may have more than one function
What is the unifying principle of biology?
Evolution: living things change gradually from one form into another over course of time
Why are there few museums of biology?
- usually called museums of natural history (study of natural objects)
- usually broader
Deductive reasoning:
specific observations predicted from a general premise
Inductive reasoning:
**General conclusions are drawn from specific observations
How does the scientific method work?
- Observations
- Question
- Hypothesis
- Experiment
- Results
- Support for hypothesis
What are Polar bear adaptations?
- 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)
Adaptation definition
- evolutionary process where a population becomes better suited to its habitat
Structural adaptation
physical structure of an organism
Ex. cerata of nudibranch increases surface area for gas exchange
Physiological adaptation (inside)
Chemical change inside organism
Ex. skunk releases smelling spray to ward of predators
Behavioural adaptations (only to animals)
response by animal to an external stimuli
- for food resources and chance of survival
Ex. hibernation by polar bears during winter
