Concept explainers
To explain: The challenges for a spherical shape pose of a large animal in carrying out exchange with the environment.
Introduction:
The fundamental aspects of an animal is to interact with its environment are size and shape. These aspects are referred as the elements of body plan or design. This does not imply a process of conscious invention. A pattern of development programmed by the genome results in the body plan of an animal and is also the product of millions of years of evolution.
Explanation of Solution
Animals must exchange gases, nutrients, and waste products with the environment. This requirement imposes an additional limitation on body plans. A single-celled animal can perform its exchange activities easily as it is composed of sufficient membrane surface area compared to large animal. The rate of exchange is proportional to the membrane surface area involved in exchange, whereas the amount of material that must be exchanged is proportional to the body volume. The spherical-shaped large animal has the minimum surface area per unit volume, the ratio of surface area to body volume decreases, as body size increases. Hence larger animals with a spherical shape would face many challenges in carrying out exchange with the environment due to their body plan.
As evolution results in many changes in the elements like shape and size of animals, some evolutionary changes cause difficulties in their survival. The exchange of materials with the environment takes place across the membrane surface area of the animal. As there is no sufficient membrane surface area for spherical-shaped large animals, they face many complications in their exchange of material with the environment.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 40 Solutions
CAMPBELL BIOLOGY MOD MASTERING (18 WEEK)
- Name four ways in which animals capture prey and,for each, name an organism that uses it.arrow_forwardWhat strategy does a kangaroo rat use that allows it to exist in the desert without drinking any water?arrow_forwardImagine if mermaids are real. What are their biological and Physical demands (CORRECT SHAPE AND SIZE)?arrow_forward
- What is the relationship between an organism and its environment? Provide a specific example of the adaptation of an organism to its environment.arrow_forwardWhich of the following would have the least influence on animal fitness? a)temperature b)carbon dioxide availability c)food availability d)water availabilityarrow_forwardInstruction: Choose one animal from "The Basic Animal Group" and write a report on its habitat, adaptations for feeding and waste removal, gas exchange, blood circulation, nervous coordination and mechanism for survival. (Note: Below are examples, you may search for an animal of your choice but it should be undomesticated).arrow_forward
- What's a different adaptation that will help a sea turtle survive and reproduce? Describe the adaptation. Is it a physical, behavioral, or chemical, adaptation? How does the adaptation help the sea turtle survive?arrow_forwardExplain an individual aiding the survival and reproductive success of an animal belonging to another species. Explain in detail and give examples.arrow_forwardQ26: Please type the answer this question Salamander larvae basically have a body form similar to the adult-elongated body, tail, and four legs. External gills are present. Fins and balancers are present on some species. Balancers are a pair of organs on the underside of either side of the head that keeps them upright in the water. During metamorphosis the gills and fins are lost, the gill slits close, there is a modification of skin for terrestrial existence, and lungs develop. Question: What do you notice about the development of the legs in salamander larvae. Which legs develop first? Is this different from the anuran larvae? (please answer both parts)arrow_forward
