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hat is the difference between an organism\'s anatomy and its physiology? How are

ID: 252576 • Letter: H

Question

hat is the difference between an organism's anatomy and its physiology? How are they related? 2. What is surface area to volume ratio and why is it important for cells? 3. Convergent evolution has resulted in similar body shapes. Give an example using fast swimmers. 4. How do simple animals (like a hydra -see Fig 40.3b) exchange materials with the environment versus complex animals (see Fig 40.4)? 5. Why is advantageous about being a more complex animal? (see p.874) 6. Starting with the smallest unit of life, name four levels of organization and give an example of each: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Explanation / Answer

1. Anatomy is the study of physical structure of an organisms while physiology is the study of functions of individual components of structures and their system in an organism. For understanding the physiology of an organism, its structural components should be studies well. Since physiology depends upon anatomy, both are directly related as to understand how an organism and its system work. Anatomical knowledge is used for supporting the explanations of physiological processes. Together, anatomy and physiology provide the complete picture of the organism's capabilities.

2. The surface area to volume ratio is the relationship between two measurement, surface area and volume. It shows the comparison between the size of the outside of an object and the amount it can hold in. Increased surface area to volume ratio allows increased exposure to the environment. Greater surface area to volume facilitates higher exchange rate of materials.

3. Morphological similarities among mammals (e.g., dolphins), fish (e.g., sharks), and aquatic reptiles (e.g., ichthyosaurs) is an excellent example of convergent evolution. All these three classes of organisms have the same muscular cylinder-like shape with an assortment of flippers and a tail. Together, these traits make all of them fast swimmers, which is an excellent trait since they live in the ocean.

4. Hydra has multicells sac-like body plan which enables the direct exchange with environment since its body wall is only two-cell layer thick. Complex animals have well developed systems such as respiratory system and digestive systems which enables them to exchange the materials from environment in highly controlled and coordinated manner.

5. (i) Ability to perform complicated physiological functions such as faster movement enhances efficiency and therefore adaptability to their environment. (ii) Ability to capture smaller organisms for food.

6. (1) Cell (e.g., clara cell)

(2) Tissue (e.g., epithelial tissue)

(3) Organ (e.g., lung)

(4) Organ system (e.g., respiratory system)