Animal Behavior, Fall, 2000

Bi 376, Hour Exam II

Instructions:

1) After receiving the exam, you are free to work on the answers in any classroom in Boyd Hall.

2) You may not use any information other than what you have stored in your brain (no notes, books, etc.)

3) Please limit your answers to the space provided beneath each answer. Feel free to use labeled diagrams (i.e. - graphs) to enhance your answers. Write clearly and concisely.

4) You have 1.5 hours to complete this examination. Remember that you have agreed not to discuss this examination with anyone else in the class until all have taken it (I will let you know in class).

5) Please sign below if you agree to the above policies.

GOOD LUCK!

 

Honor Statement: I have read the above instructions and agree to them. I promise to neither give nor receive any help on this examination.

Signed,

 

 

Choose 6 out of the following 7 - Short Answer. These questions can be answered in 2-4 sentences or a labeled diagram and 1-2 sentences. @ 10 points

1) Do genes have effects on behavior? Cite a few specific examples that support your contention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) One method for determining the effects of the environment is to use inbred strains in experiments. How does this help?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Briefly describe what studies of twins have contributed to the study of behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) Briefly describe what the technique of DNA fingerprinting has contributed to the study of animal behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5) Draw and label a neuron. Briefly describe the function of at least three of its parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) Briefly describe how the cell membrane of a neuron works to produce a resting potential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7) Briefly describe how the cell membrane works to produce and action potential.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose 2 out of the following 3: - Essay Questions: Answer the following questions in essay format (a paragraph or two with topic sentences followed by information supporting the topic sentence. Labeled figures or graphs are encouraged but be sure to explain these with text. You can also use the front and back side of the sheets of paper. @ 20 points

1) Working in the depths of the Arabian desert, you come upon a new species of terrestrial isopod which seems to be able to locate potential prey via sound waves. As a world famous (but modest!) animal behaviorist, you name it Artachno plymouthii after your alma mater. By observing its behavior you conclude that this animal must have an auditory system very much like a mammal. Describe what you expect to find when you investigate the auditory system of this animal.

2) Vertebrates have the ability to transduce photic information very well. Describe how the vertebrate visual system allows for a) light to be transduced and; b) features of the visual field to be extracted.

3) Neurons in all animals act like "little computers" or "decision-makers". Explain the neuronal mechanisms/structures that allow neurons to pass information on or not.