9 Questions
What is a trace fossil?
The preserved evidence of the activity of an organism
What is an isotope?
Members of a family of an element that all have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons
What is a cast in terms of fossils?
What does evolution refer to?
The change over time in populations of related organisms
What are the functions of the digestive system?
The functions of the digestive system include breaking down food into molecules the body can use, absorbing molecules into the blood and carrying them throughout the body, and eliminating wastes from the body.
What are the roles of the mouth in the digestive system?
The mouth is responsible for both mechanical and chemical digestion. Mechanical digestion starts in the mouth with the physical breaking down of food by the teeth, while chemical digestion involves the breakdown of food molecules by saliva.
What is peristalsis and where does it occur?
Peristalsis refers to the muscle contraction that moves food along the esophagus. It is a process that helps in the movement of food from the mouth to the stomach.
Where does most of the chemical digestion take place in the digestive system?
Most of the chemical digestion takes place in the small intestine, where the absorption of nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream also occurs.
What is the role of the large intestine or colon in the digestive system?
The large intestine or colon is responsible for absorbing water into the bloodstream and readying the remaining material for elimination from the body.
Study Notes
Digestive System Functions
- Breaks down food into molecules the body can use
- Absorbs molecules into the blood and carries them throughout the body via the circulatory system
- Eliminates wastes from the body via the excretory system
Roles of Organs in the Digestive System
Mouth
- Mechanical digestion: physically breaks down food using teeth
- Chemical digestion: breaks down food molecules using saliva
Esophagus
- Muscular tube connecting the mouth to the stomach
- Peristalsis (muscle contraction) moves food through the esophagus
Stomach
- Most mechanical digestion takes place
- Some chemical digestion occurs with the help of digestive juices (enzymes and acids)
Small Intestine
- Most chemical digestion takes place
- Absorbs nutrients from digested food into the bloodstream
Large Intestine (Colon)
- Water is absorbed into the bloodstream
- Remaining material is prepared for elimination from the body
Rectum
- Waste material is collected prior to elimination from the body
Test your knowledge of key concepts in paleontology and evolutionary biology with this quiz. Match the definitions to the corresponding terms like fossil, evolution, isotopes, scale, and extinctions.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
