Biology Chapter: Animal Diversity and Adaptability

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Questions and Answers

How do choanocyte cells function in sponges?

They absorb nutrients from the surrounding environment.

They capture and digest prey.

They provide structural support to the sponge.

They move water into a central cavity and out through a larger opening. (correct)

What distinguishes the body plan of cnidarians from that of other animal phyla?

Presence of a central nervous system.

Body plan with segmented appendages.

Ability to move freely in water.

Presence of tissues and radial symmetry. (correct)

Which characteristics define molluscs?

Radial symmetry and a gastrovascular cavity.

Soft-bodied with a hard shell and a muscular foot. (correct)

Hard shell and tentacles for capturing prey.

They possess a backbone and streamlined bodies.

What mechanism do most molluscs employ for feeding?

Extending a radula to scrape food. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups does NOT fall under molluscs?

Flatworms Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature do flatworms possess in terms of body symmetry?

Bilateral symmetry. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is primarily associated with bivalves?

A shell divided into two halves. Signup and view all the answers

How do cnidarians typically capture their prey?

With tentacles armed with stinging cells. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily contributes to humans' success as a species?

Brain power and cognitive abilities Signup and view all the answers

How much has brain size increased in humans over the last 1.5 million years?

By about 40% Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes animals?

Most animals are multicellular and heterotrophic. Signup and view all the answers

What is one likely cause of the rapid diversification of animal life?

The presence of master control genes Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates animal cells from those of plants and fungi?

They lack cell walls. Signup and view all the answers

What is true regarding the reproductive characteristics of animals?

Most animals are diploid and reproduce sexually. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a measure of human success?

Reproductive rate compared to other species Signup and view all the answers

Which hypothesis has been proposed to explain the origins of animal diversity?

Increased predator-prey relationships Signup and view all the answers

What type of body plan do flatworms exhibit?

Bilateral symmetry Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes annelids?

They have body segmentation. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes errantians from sedentarians among annelids?

Errantians have active and mobile lifestyles. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common habitat for roundworms?

Marine and freshwater habitats, as well as soil Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is characteristic of arthropods?

Presence of exoskeleton and jointed appendages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about crustaceans is true?

Crustaceans exhibit multiple pairs of specialized appendages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of nematodes in ecosystems?

They are important decomposers and parasites. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the diversity of roundworms?

About 25,000 species of roundworms are documented, with many more likely existing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes centipedes from millipedes?

Centipedes have segmented bodies with fewer legs. Signup and view all the answers

How do insects contribute to the ecosystem despite being beneficial?

They can be carriers of diseases that affect humans. Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of echinoderms is responsible for gas exchange and waste disposal?

Water vascular system. Signup and view all the answers

In what stage do many insects undergo metamorphosis?

During the pupal stage. Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary relationship do echinoderms share with chordates?

They belong to the same evolutionary branch. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the larval stage of echinoderms compared to their adult stage?

Echinoderm larvae are bilaterally symmetrical. Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature do insects typically possess that contributes to their success?

A three-part body structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of arthropods sets them apart from echinoderms?

Segmented bodies with exoskeletons. Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature is present in vertebrate endoskeletons?

Skull and backbone Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of all chordates?

Body segmentation Signup and view all the answers

Which group of chordates are considered invertebrates?

Tunicates and lancelets Signup and view all the answers

The first vertebrates likely evolved during which geological period?

Paleozoic Signup and view all the answers

Which feature helps bony fish maintain buoyancy?

Swim bladder Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason amphibians are tied to water?

Their eggs dry out quickly in air Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly categorizes bony fishes?

Ray-finned and lobe-finned Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following adaptations do amphibians exhibit?

They undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larva to terrestrial adult Signup and view all the answers

What has been identified as the primary means of cultural transmission in humans?

Language Signup and view all the answers

How did researchers utilize lice to estimate the origin of clothing in humans?

By analyzing the genetic divergence of different louse species Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated timeframe for the divergence of head lice and clothing lice?

83,000 to 170,000 years ago Signup and view all the answers

What environmental challenge influenced the adoption of clothing among early humans?

The harsh climate resulting from ice ages Signup and view all the answers

Which adaptation is associated with the high frequency of sickle hemoglobin in certain populations?

Protection against malaria Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in human genetics has occurred over the last 100,000 years?

Evolution of lactose digestion Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the variance in skin color among human populations?

Environmental selective forces Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary concept allows researchers to estimate the separation time of populations based on genetic differences?

Molecular clock method Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biology and Society: Evolving Adaptability

Human success is largely due to brainpower.
Human brain volume to body mass ratio is 2.5 times greater than chimpanzees.
Human's capacity for problem-solving, language, and understanding others is highly developed.
Brain size has increased by about 40% in humans over 1.5 million years.
Humans can adapt and modify their behavior.
There are approximately 1.3 million animal species.
Animal diversity evolved through natural selection adapting to diverse environments.

The Origins of Animal Diversity: What Is an Animal?

Animal life began in Precambrian seas with multicellular creatures consuming other organisms.
Animals are eukaryotic, multicellular, heterotrophic organisms absorbing nutrients from food, capable of digestion.
Animal cells lack cell walls unlike plants and fungi.
Most animals possess muscle and nerve cells controlling movement.
Most animals reproduce sexually.
Sea star larvae undergo a notable metamorphosis into adult forms.
Oldest animal fossils are roughly 560 million years old.
Animal diversification significantly increased during the Cambrian explosion (525-535 million years ago).
Increased atmospheric oxygen and complex predator-prey relationships are possible factors triggering the Cambrian explosion.

Identifying Major Themes

The ability to build complex bodies depended on "master control" genes already existing before rapid body diversification.
Structure and function are interrelated.
Information flow is essential in biological systems.
Transformations of energy and matter through biological pathways are key.
Biological interactions occur within systems.
Evolution occurs due to interactions within biological systems.
Certain body features have specific functions.
Bees and flies pollinate crops and facilitate crop and human health interactions.
Insects are carriers of diseases impacting human health and directly compete with humans for food.
Interactions impact the surrounding biological systems.

Major Invertebrate Phyla: Sponges

95% of animal kingdom is composed of invertebrates (animals without backbones).
Sponges (phylum Porifera) are stationary animals without true tissues, likely evolving early from colonial protists.
Sponge bodies are sac-like with holes, allowing water to flow through for feeding and respiration.
Cnidarians (phylum Cnidaria) possess tissues, radial symmetry, and stinging cells (cnidocytes) for defense and feeding.
Cnidarians have sacs with a central digestive compartment for digestion.
Cnidarians include stationary polyps and floating medusa forms.
Cnidarian body types vary with different species and environment.

Major Invertebrate Phyla: Molluscs, Flatworms, Annelids, Roundworms

Molluscs (phylum Mollusca) – soft-bodied animals with a shell.
Flatworms (phylum Platyhelminthes) – simple animals with bilateral symmetry.
Annelids (phylum Annelida) – segmented worms.
Roundworms (phylum Nematoda) – cylindrical body, important decomposers and parasites.
Arthropods have jointed appendages, exhibit adaptability to various habitats.
Arachnids - mainly terrestrial, have 4 pairs of legs.
Crustaceans - mostly aquatic, have various appendages.
Millipedes – eat decaying plant matter, two pairs of legs per body segment.
Centipedes – carnivores, one pair of legs per segment.
Insects – characterized by three body parts (head, thorax, and abdomen), adaptable to diverse environments.

Echinoderms and Vertebrate Evolution

Echinoderms (phylum Echinodermata) - spiny skin, radial symmetry, and a water vascular system.
Echinoderms are closely related to chordates (including vertebrates) on evolutionary trees.
Vertebrates are characterized by a dorsal, hollow nerve cord, a notochord, pharyngeal slits, and a post-anal tail during development.
Early vertebrates lacked jaws, later vertebrates developed bony or cartilaginous skeletons, and then fins and swim bladders.

Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles

Fishes – cartilaginous and bony fishes with a lateral line system.
Amphibians – amphibians are tied to water for reproduction and have 2 life stages, and exhibit aquatic and terrestrial adaptations.
Reptiles – ectothermic (cold-blooded), have scaled skin, and lay amniotic eggs.

Birds and Mammals

Birds – endothermic (warm-blooded), have feathers and wings, and lay amniotic eggs.
Mammals – endothermic, have mammary glands and hair, and are characterized by diverse groups.

The Human Ancestry

Primates emerged from insect-eating mammals about 65 million years ago.
Arboreal adaptations shaped early primates: limber shoulders, forward-facing eyes, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
Humans belong to a group of primates called Anthropoids.
Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor, but humans are not evolved from chimpanzees.
Neanderthals are an extinct human species who interbred with modern humans.
Modern humans (Homo sapiens) emerged in Africa and migrated globally.

Evolution Connection: Are We Still Evolving?

Humans’ traits have adapted to specific environmental needs.
Adaptive changes can also include skin color as a response to UV radiation.
Genetic adaptations for disease resistance have occurred in different human populations.
Populations eating dairy products have developed lactose tolerance.

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Description

Explore the fascinating evolution of animal diversity and the unique adaptability of humans. This quiz covers human brain evolution, characteristics of animals, and the principles of natural selection that drive biological diversity. Test your knowledge on how these concepts interrelate and their implications for society.