Aquatic Animal Adaptations and Feeding
48 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What determines the bite force quotient (BFQ) in animals?

  • Size of the animal
  • Speed of movement
  • Orientation and arrangement of muscle fibers (correct)
  • Shape of the jaw

How does suction feeding work in aquatic animals?

  • It involves rapid mouth closure to capture prey.
  • It relies on strong jaw muscles to crush prey.
  • It creates negative pressure in the oropharynx to draw in water and prey. (correct)
  • It uses sharp teeth to grasp prey quickly.

What is a unique method used by the thresher shark to stun prey?

  • Whip-like tail motion called tail smacking (correct)
  • Electric discharges from its body
  • Camouflage against the background
  • High-speed swimming

What adaptation in fish helps them avoid detection by predators in deep water?

<p>Counter illumination through bioluminescence (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the electric ray contributes to its ability to stun prey?

<p>Electric organ that stores energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of bioluminescent organs in some deep-sea fish?

<p>To match the downwelling light for camouflage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the adaptation that helps bony and cartilaginous fish remain undetected from predators?

<p>Counter illumination (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about nurse sharks is accurate?

<p>They perform rapid, three-stage suction feeding. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant factor that impacts the oxygen carrying capacity in aquatic environments?

<p>pH levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors contributes to the scarcity of dissolved oxygen in tropical reefs?

<p>Temperature layer stratification (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological factor helps small larval stages of fish grow faster in warmer months?

<p>Shape's impact on heat absorption (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What typically occurs during a fish kill in aquatic environments?

<p>Explosion in oxygen demand (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does increasing the size of an object affect its metabolic rate?

<p>It lowers the surface area to volume ratio (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior might fish exhibit to avoid predators even under unfavorable conditions?

<p>Traveling long distances for food (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of fish having a restricted volume of water during an oxygen depletion event?

<p>Potential complete collapse of the fish population (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of current flow on dissolved oxygen levels?

<p>High current flow reduces temperature stratification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method by which mammals reduce salt levels in their bodies?

<p>By producing hyperosmotic urine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about seabirds' kidneys is true?

<p>Their kidneys lack a loop of Henle. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nasal salt glands in birds?

<p>To secrete concentrated salt (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do some water birds like pelicans obtain their required water?

<p>From their diet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What adaptation helps leatherback turtles to consume jellyfish effectively?

<p>Chitin-based spiked lining in the throat (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which feature allows silvereyes to manage their water intake?

<p>Behavioral selection of high-water items (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge for seabirds regarding salt concentration?

<p>They cannot secrete excess salt. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method do sea turtles use to excrete excess salt?

<p>Via specialized nasal salt glands (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage can a giant clam close its shell to avoid predators without risking carbon dioxide poisoning?

<p>90% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of muscle do scallops primarily use for maintaining a closed shell position over extended periods?

<p>Smooth muscle (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the muscle contractions that scallops use to swim away quickly?

<p>Phasic contractions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physiological mechanism allows bivalves to maintain prolonged contractions with minimal energy use?

<p>Catch mechanism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the pedal ganglia in bivalves?

<p>It produces neurotransmitter molecules inducing contraction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In scallops, what is the property of the two types of muscle fibers used during swimming?

<p>Smooth muscle is opaque while striated muscle is translucent. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiates muscle contraction in bivalves, according to recent understanding?

<p>A build-up of intracellular calcium. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of contraction is characterized as 'persistent' in bivalves?

<p>Tonic contraction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of GnRH in the HPG axis?

<p>Activates the anterior pituitary gland to release LH and FSH (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is specifically monitored to determine if a female turtle is pregnant?

<p>Progesterone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the fluctuation of estradiol and progesterone indicate about a female?

<p>Her reproductive maturity and cycle regularity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is being researched as a non-invasive way to monitor whales?

<p>Measuring whale blow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of reproductive endocrinology?

<p>Understanding the HPG axis and its effects (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is specifically associated with stimulating ovarian functions?

<p>LH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred if hormone levels suggest abnormalities in ovarian function?

<p>There are potential reproductive issues (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of cues does the brain detect to activate the HPG axis?

<p>Multiple types including resource availability and photoperiod (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of movement towards the kinocilium on hair cells?

<p>It produces an excitatory response. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does absorption affect sound waves in aquatic environments?

<p>It transforms acoustic energy into heat energy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structures are primarily responsible for hearing in fish?

<p>Otolith organs and semicircular canals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines non-natural sounds in aquatic environments?

<p>Anthropogenic sounds like shipping and sonar. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are saccular otoliths known for?

<p>They form growth rings that can indicate the age of fish. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical characteristics can affect sound transmission in water?

<p>Salinity and temperature differences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do the otolith organs sit in relation to the hair cells?

<p>Over a bed of hair cells within the cupula. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the semicircular canals in the fish ear?

<p>To detect movement and orientation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bite Force Quotient (BFQ)

The strength of an animal's bite, determined by muscle fiber arrangement and number.

Gape of Jaw

The maximum opening of an animal's jaw, dependent on muscle contraction and relaxation.

Suction Feeding

A feeding method where negative pressure is created in the mouth to draw in water and prey.

Stunning Prey

A hunting strategy that involves shocking or incapacitating prey using physical force or electric discharge.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Counter-illumination

An adaptation where an animal's dorsal surface is darker than its ventral surface, minimizing a silhouette against the background.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Photophores

Light-producing organs found in some deep-sea animals, used for counter-illumination and communication.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Iso-luminance Depth

The depth where the bioluminescence intensity of an animal's photophores matches the surrounding light.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Electric Organ

Modified muscle tissue in certain fish that stores and discharges electrical energy for stunning prey.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Lateral Line Hair Cell Orientation

Hair cells in the lateral line system have a specific orientation. The kinocilium (long hair) is the key. Movement towards the kinocilium causes an excitatory response, while movement away from it causes an inhibitory response.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sound in Aquatic Environments

Sound, in water, is a mechanical disturbance that travels as compressional and longitudinal waves. It requires a medium (water) to propagate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sound Transmission Factors

Sound in water can be affected by: absorption (energy loss), reflection (bouncing off surfaces), refraction (bending due to density changes), and ambient noise (background sound).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Natural vs. Non-natural Sounds

Natural sounds are produced by biological organisms or natural events like earthquakes. Non-natural sounds are anthropogenic, created by human activities like shipping and sonar.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fish Hearing Mechanism

Fishes have paired ears located near the brain. Within the ears are otolith organs, which are the primary sound receptors. In some cases, the swim bladder connects to the ears.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cod Ear Structures

The cod ear has three semicircular canals, three macula areas, and a region called the macula neglecta. These parts contain sensory structures for balance and hearing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Saccular Otolith

The saccular otolith is a large, white mass found within the fish ear. It has bony layers that form growth rings, allowing scientists to age the fish.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Otolith Organs

Otolith organs sit on top of bundles of hair cells within the cupula. These organs are crucial for sound reception and balance in fish.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Catch Mechanism

A physiological mechanism that allows bivalves to maintain a strong, contracted state for extended periods with minimal energy expenditure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tonic Contraction

A sustained muscle contraction that lasts for a considerable duration, like a bivalve keeping its shell tightly closed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Phasic Contraction

A rapid, short-lived muscle contraction, like a scallop's quick burst of movement to escape a predator.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Smooth Muscle

A type of muscle tissue that contracts slowly and involuntarily, found in bivalves for sustained shell closure.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Striated Muscle

A type of muscle tissue that contracts rapidly and voluntarily, found in scallops for fast swimming.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adductor Muscle

A powerful muscle in bivalves responsible for closing their shells, composed of both smooth and striated muscle fibers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Giant Clam's Defense

Giant clams partially close their shells to deter predators, but cannot close completely due to metabolic needs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Oyster's Desiccation Risk

Oysters must completely seal their shells to prevent dehydration, minimizing water loss.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Osmoregulators

Animals that actively regulate their internal salt concentration, maintaining a stable internal environment despite varying external conditions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

HPG Axis

The chain of command that controls reproductive processes involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads (ovaries or testes).

Signup and view all the flashcards

GnRH

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, released by the hypothalamus, stimulates the pituitary gland to release LH and FSH.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Salt Glands

Specialized organs found in some animals, such as reptiles, birds, and sharks, that remove excess salt from the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Pelicans & Salt Regulation

Pelicans obtain all their water from their diet and can be highly selective about what they eat, avoiding osmoconformers and choosing osmoregulators.

Signup and view all the flashcards

LH & FSH

Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), released by the pituitary gland, act on ovaries and testes to stimulate gamete production and hormone production.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Estradiol & Progesterone

Hormones produced by the ovaries, their levels fluctuate during the ovarian cycle, providing information about reproductive status.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Seabird Salt Excretion

Seabirds lack a loop of Henle in their kidneys, limiting their ability to remove salt. Instead, they use nasal salt glands to excrete excess salt.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Testosterone

Hormone produced by the testes, plays a key role in male reproduction and development.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Sea Turtle Salt Excretion

Sea Turtles have limited kidney function for salt regulation. They use specialized nasal salt glands and lachrymal glands to remove excess salt.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Leatherback Turtle Adaptations

Leatherback turtles possess adaptations for diving and consuming large quantities of jellyfish, including a thick blubber layer for insulation and backwards-slanting spikes in their throat to prevent food from escaping.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Monitoring Reproductive Hormones

Analyzing hormone levels can reveal information about reproductive maturity, breeding season, ovulation, pregnancy, and any abnormalities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Metabolic Water Production

Animals can produce water as a by-product of breaking down fat through beta-oxidation reactions.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Reproductive Maturity

The point when an animal is physically capable of reproducing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Breeding Season

The specific time of year when animals are most active in reproducing.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Aquaporins

Proteins responsible for transporting water across cell membranes.

Signup and view all the flashcards

pH in Aquatic Environments

The pH of water is crucial for fish as it affects their ability to carry oxygen in their blood and release it at the gills. A healthy pH range is vital for respiration.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Dissolved Oxygen Content in Marine Environments

Marine environments typically have much lower dissolved oxygen levels compared to air. This can impact organism abundance, especially for species reliant on high oxygen levels.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cleaner Fish and Respiratory Surfaces

Cleaner fish play a crucial role in cleaning the respiratory surfaces of other fish, potentially driven by the lower dissolved oxygen levels in reef environments.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Factors Affecting Dissolved Oxygen

Current flow and stratification can significantly influence dissolved oxygen levels in aquatic environments. High current flow generally improves oxygen levels while stratification can lead to oxygen depletion in certain layers.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Behavioral Adaptations for Oxygen Availability

Animals may exhibit behavioral adaptations to cope with low oxygen levels, such as seeking out areas with more oxygen or tolerating unfavorable conditions to avoid predation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Physiological Adaptations for Oxygen Availability

Animals possess physiological adaptations to optimize oxygen uptake and usage, including specialized muscle types, efficient digestion, and variations in body shape.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Surface Area to Volume Ratio and Metabolism

The ratio of an animal's surface area to its volume influences its metabolic rate. A larger surface area relative to volume increases heat gain and loss, while a smaller ratio reduces heat exchange and metabolism.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fish Kills: Oxygen Depletion

Fish kills occur when a large fish population in a limited water volume experiences a rapid increase in oxygen demand, leading to oxygen depletion and potentially catastrophic death for most fish.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Lecture 1

  • Terrestrial and aquatic animals use substrate for camouflage, hiding under, in, or mimicking it.
  • Animals use camouflage in 3 ways; colour matching, structural matching, or a combination of both.
  • Crypsis is the goal, camouflage is the mechanism.
  • Animals can reduce visibility by reflecting or manipulating light.
  • Transparency is achieved by minimising light scattering and reflection.
  • Transparency is a form of crypsis involving the whole organism.
  • Transparency can be partial (only part of the organism is transparent) or complete (whole organism transparent).
  • Transparency is more common in aquatic environments, especially deep sea.
  • Factors limiting transparency evolution include higher density of tissue, and higher UV exposure.

Lecture 2

  • Bioluminescence is the production and emission of cold light by a living organism.
  • Many organisms across the planet use bioluminescence.
  • 80% of bioluminescent organisms are in marine environments, in pelagic, mesopelagic, and benthic zones.
  • Bioluminescence is created from a chemical reaction (chemiluminescence).
  • The chemical reaction makes light without releasing heat.
  • Examples of bioluminescence include fireflies, glow worms, and marine organisms.

Lecture 3

  • High pressure, absence of light, cold temperatures and lack of strong currents are challenges in the deep ocean.
  • Animals in the deep have low metabolic rates.
  • Proteins structures are affected by pressure.
  • Cell membranes have a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids to withstand pressure.
  • Deep sea animals have low metabolic rates due to limited food availability.
  • Deep sea animals have large mouths and guts due to sporadic food.
  • Deep sea animals have greatly reduced musculature.

Lecture 1 by Shaun

  • Cartilaginous fishes (sharks, skates, rays, elephant sharks) have existed for over 400 million years.
  • Bony fishes have existed for 40-50 million years.
  • Various factors affect feeding strategies like dietary needs, activity patterns and environmental cues.
  • Common feeding strategies include sit-and-wait, active searching and targeting.
  • Features of fish feeding include mouth size/shape, sensory capabilities, methods of ingestion and propulsion methods.

Lecture 2 by Shaun

  • Chemoreception (Smell) is the oldest sense, detects molecules in water.
  • Olfactory Plumes are odours emanating from a source.
  • Fish have olfactory epithelium within nostrils to increase surface area for receptors that detect chemicals.
  • Fish are highly sensitive to certain molecules (specific to their diet), and some have internal and external taste buds.
  • Olfactory epithelium contains sensory and non-sensory regions, and ciliated and villous receptor cells.

Lecture 1 by Travis

  • The abundance and diversity of bivalves include 93,000 mollusk species.
  • 80% of coral reefs are made up of bivalves.
  • Bivalves have 2 valves joined together by hinges.
  • Bivalves have adapted to living environments. They use different attachment methods (epifaunal/sessile or infaunal/free-swimming).
  • Bivalves face risks like predation and desiccation and have strategies to avoid these risks.

Lecture 1 by Kerry

  • Hormones are chemicals secreted in the body that travel through the blood stream affecting target cells.
  • The endocrine system communicates via chemical messengers. The nervous system communicates through electrical pulses.

Lecture 2 by Kerry

  • Population demographics deal with population size, birth rates and death rates which are crucial indicators for health.
  • Individual physiological responses are indicators of population health, and help understand the effects of environmental conditions on individuals.
  • Endocrine biomarkers assess reproductive health and stress responses.

Additional Notes

  • Cryptochromes: Proteins sensitive to specific wavelengths of light, able to detect magnetic fields.
  • Magnetoreception: Detection of weak magnetic fields.
  • Endocrine disrupters: Chemicals that mimic or interfere with hormones in the body.
  • Bioluminescent signals: Used in camouflage, attracting prey or mates, and defending from predators.
  • Osmoregulation: The process of maintaining water and salt balance to maintain biological functions in organisms.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Animal Camouflage and Bioluminescence Notes PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the unique adaptations and feeding mechanisms of aquatic animals. This quiz covers various topics, including bite force quotient, suction feeding, and adaptations for predator evasion in deep water environments. Dive into the fascinating world of marine biology and discover how these creatures thrive in their habitats.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser