Animal Physiology

Spring, 2000

Bi 377, Final Exam

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) You have 2.5 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.

4) 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,

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.

• Use complete sentences unless otherwise directed.

Short Answer. (20 points total) These questions can be answered in 3-5 sentences or a labeled diagram and 2-3 sentences.

Answer 4 of the following 5 questions (@5pts)

1). Briefly explain why muscle length has an effect on the amount of tension that a muscle can develop.

2). Describe in several sentences how ruminants digest cellulose.

3) Briefly explain the physiological basis for decompression sickness. Why don't marine mammals get "the bends"?

4) Briefly outline the mechanisms by which the mammalian kidney filters blood.

5) Please fill out the "Peer Evaluation Form" attached to the last page of this exam. You should evaluate the other four members of your group that worked on the circadian rhythms project. You may take extra time to complete this if you need it.

Essay Questions: (@20pts; 80 points total) Answer four of the following five questions in essay format (a paragraph or two with topic sentences followed by information supporting the topic sentence). You may also use the back side of the paper.

1) Circadian rhythms are thought to occur in all living organisms. Underlying these rhythms must be a anatomical/physiological control system. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the circadian system controlling a certain behavior (your choice) in either a) the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), b) the cockroach (Leucophaea madeira), or 3) the lobster (Homarus americanus). Choose only one species to describe and provide details from previous research. Be sure to mention a few of the important researchers in the field and their findings.

2) Chemical synapses produce post-synaptic potentials (PSP's) in the post-synaptic membrane. Describe how these PSP's are processed and information is passed on (or not).

3) Draw and label a neural cell membrane and then describe (in written form as above) how this structure allows for neuronal excitability.

4) Compare and contrast the endocrine and nervous systems.

5) Describe how the respiratory and cardiovascular systems work together to deliver oxygen to body cells.