Question 1

Which of the following best explains why the giraffe’s laryngeal nerve is much longer than a direct route from the brain to the throat would require?

Accepted Answer

The nerve lengthened as the neck evolved, following the ancestral path around the aorta, rather than being severed and reconnected.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of an emergent property in the hierarchy of animal organization?

Accepted Answer

The coordinated pumping of blood by the heart, which arises from the interaction of muscle, nervous, epithelial, and connective tissues.

Question 3

A cancer cell detaches from its neighboring cells in a tissue. What is a likely consequence of this detachment?

Accepted Answer

The cell may travel to distant locations and form new tumors (metastasis).

Question 4

Which property is shared by all types of epithelial tissues?

Accepted Answer

They consist of tightly packed cells situated on top of an extracellular matrix, forming protective barriers or exchange surfaces.

Question 5

Why does blood qualify as a type of connective tissue?

Accepted Answer

Because it consists of a population of cells surrounded by a noncellular matrix (plasma).

Question 6

Which type of muscle tissue is responsible for involuntary contractions in the digestive tract and arteries?

Accepted Answer

Smooth muscle

Question 7

A neuron transmits a signal from your spinal cord to your toe. Which structural feature of the neuron is most critical for this function?

Accepted Answer

Its long axon, which allows for direct transmission of nerve signals over long distances.

Question 8

Which of the following best describes why a disease that damages connective tissue can impair most of the body’s organs?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue is a component of most organs, providing support and structure.

Question 9

Why is it easier to bioengineer and transplant a windpipe than a heart?

Accepted Answer

The windpipe functions mainly as a simple tube, with less complex structure and function than a heart.

Question 10

Which two organ systems are most directly involved in regulating all other organ systems in the body?

Accepted Answer

Nervous and endocrine systems

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a function of the integumentary system?

Accepted Answer

Production of red blood cells

Question 12

In a well-designed experiment to test a new acne treatment, why is it important for the scientist counting pimples to be 'blind' to which side of the face was treated?

Accepted Answer

To prevent unintentional bias in rating the effectiveness of the treatment.

Question 13

Which structural adaptation is common to the lungs, small intestine, and kidneys to enhance exchange with the environment?

Accepted Answer

A large number of folds, projections, or tubes that increase surface area.

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of homeostasis?

Accepted Answer

When the salt concentration of the blood increases, the kidneys expel more salt to maintain balance.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of negative feedback in the human body?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus activating sweating to cool the body when temperature rises above the set point.

Question 16

If a portable heater does NOT have a thermostat, what is the consequence for room temperature?

Accepted Answer

The heater will continue to heat the room without regulation, causing the temperature to rise uncontrollably until manually turned off.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of interstitial fluid in complex animals?

Accepted Answer

It bathes body cells and serves as the medium for exchange between blood and cells.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct pairing of tissue type and its primary function?

Accepted Answer

Connective tissue – support and binding of other tissues

Question 19

Which of the following statements about animal form and evolution is supported by the example of the giraffe’s laryngeal nerve?

Accepted Answer

Structures are modified from ancestral forms and need only be 'good enough' to function.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the relationship between anatomy and physiology?

Accepted Answer

Anatomy is the study of structure; physiology is the study of function.

Animal Structure and Function: Hierarchy, Tissues, Organs, and Homeostasis

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