Animal Physiology

Spring, 1996

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 2.0 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! AND HAVE AN EXCELLENT SUMMER!

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, drawings) to enhance your answers.

• Write clearly and concisely.

• Use complete sentences unless otherwise directed.

Short Answer. (40 points total) The number of points that each question is worth follows the questions in parentheses. These questions can generally be answered in 3-5 sentences or a labeled diagram and 2-3 sentences.

1) Support or refute the following statement: the circulatory systems of all invertebrates is less efficient than that of vertebrates. (6)

2) Describe in several sentences how silverfish or termites digest cellulose. (8)

3) Compare/contrast how large vs. small mammals survive cold winters (thermoregulate). (8)

4) List several physiological responses that diving animals undergo while diving and briefly explain the benefit of each in terms of allowing these species to dive longer (10)

5) "Water, water, everywhere but not a drop to drink". This rue of the Ancient Mariner may be true for humans, but apparently is not true for all mammals. Compare and contrast the physiological/anatomical adaptations of humans versus marine mammals. Be sure to cite the differences which enable the latter to obtain "pure" water from ocean water. (7)

6) Please fill out the "Peer Evaluation Form" attached to the last page of this exam. You may take extra time to complete this if you need it.

7) Please return the reprints that you borrowed - they are irreplaceable because I won't know which reprints are missing, thanks! :)

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Essay Questions: (60 points total) Answer the following question 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 this sheet of paper. Diagrams can be used to support statements.

1) Draw and label a neural cell membrane and then describe (in written form as above) how this structure allows for neuronal excitability. (20)

2) Circadian rhythms have been found in all living organisms that have been studied sufficiently. First, describe why these rhythms are thought to be adaptive to animals (5). Then, list and describe the important tissues in vertebrates that are thought to be circadian clocks and briefly describe the evidence that supports the idea that these tissues are clocks (15)

3) Sensory systems allow organisms to orient in the environment. Describe how an vertebrate eye or vertebrate "ear" (choose one) allows these organisms to perceive environmental information. Be sure to a) discuss the physiology of the sensory cells and b) how the cells work together (process information) to provide the brain with this important information. (20)