Category: Animals

Elephants Can’t Jump

 

It is a known fact that, unlike other animals, elephants can not jump! The bones in an elephant’s feet are too tightly packed and they’re too heavy.

On this page, you will find interesting questions  about other living things. Use the Google search engine on this page to help find the answers & then e-mail me your correct answer for test coupons.

The scientific name for the giraffe is Giraffa camelopardalis. What does this Latin name mean?

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Cow Eye Dissection Worksheet

 

Cow Eye Dissection
Worksheet

 

1. Tell three observations you made when you examined the surface of the eye:

  1. ______________________________
  2. ______________________________
  3. ______________________________

2. Identify the following structures:

  1. cornea
  2. tear gland-
  3. optic nerve
  4. iris-
  5. pupil-
  6. retina

3. Name the three layers you sliced through when you cut across the top of the eye:

  1. ______________________________
  2. ______________________________
  3. ______________________________

4. Match the following parts of the eye to their function: (ciliary body, sclera, iris, retina, lens, & tapetum lucidum)

____________________ Contains the photoreceptors for vision.
____________________ The colored portion of the eye.
____________________ This structure changes shape to focus light on the retina.
____________________ The opening in the iris through which light passes.
____________________ The iridescent portion of the choroid layer in nocturnal animals.
____________________Consists of muscles, which control and shape the lens.
____________________ The white of the eye.

4. Use the pictures below to name the parts of the eye:

  1. ________________________________________
  2. ________________________________________
  3. ________________________________________
  4. ________________________________________
  5. ________________________________________
  6. ________________________________________
  7. ________________________________________
  8. ________________________________________
  9. ________________________________________
  10. ________________________________________
  11. ________________________________________
  12. ________________________________________
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Chimpanzee Webquest

Life of the Chimpanzee

Introduction  |  Task  |  Process  |  Evaluation  |  Conclusion 

Introduction

Chimpanzees are primates that live in forest regions of Africa.  They are genetically very similar to humans, sharing 98% of the same genes.  Because of their similarities, Chimpanzees can reveal much about ourselves and how we learn.  Chimpanzees have evolved over time to the most sophisticated primates other than humans.  They have a very complex social structure, and even know how to use “tools” to make a task easier.  In this web quest, you will learn all about chimpanzees, their common connection with humans, and how they have evolved to survive.

Task

Your task is to use the internet to research chimpanzees.  After researching, you will use a poster board to make a Venn diagram that outline the similarities and differences of humans and chimpanzees.  After making your diagram, you will present it to the class, explaining the similarities. In addition, you will explain what specific characteristics chimps and humans share that allow them to survive. This will be a group project.  An illustration of the Venn diagram is shown below.  Group A will be human characteristics,  group B will be chimpanzee characteristics, and group C will be the shared traits of humans and chimps.  Before beginning the process, skip down and read the Evaluation Rubric so you will know what your grade is based on.

Process

  1.  First, you will watch and take notes on the video, Jane Goodall’s Wild Chimpanzees.  The movie will give you some background knowledge on what scientists know about chimps and their behavior.
  2.  After watching the movie, you will choose a partner to help do research on chimpanzees.  This research will be used to construct your Venn diagram and to make a presentation ( PowerPoint – 15 slides ) which you and your partner will give to the class.
  3.  Use the following links to initially research chimpanzees.  If you wish to do your own customized search, use the Google Search Engine and keywords.  Hint: to get the most out of research, divide up the responsibilities and have each person research a different aspect of chimpanzees.

Encyclopedia Entry:  Chimpanzee

   Jane Goodall Institute

   Enchanted Learning:  Chimpanzees

   Save the Chimps:  Fact Sheet

  1. During your research, be sure to record any similarities and differences between chimps and humans.  After your research is completed, you will consolidate all of your findings into the diagram.
  2.  After each group member is done researching, come together as a group and complete your Venn diagram.  Remember to include both unique and shared characteristics of humans and chimpanzees.  Remember also to include shared adaptations that allow chimps and humans to survive.  Write these adaptations below the diagram.
  3.  After each group has completed the diagram, you will present your Venn diagram to the class, explaining your findings using  a PowerPoint presentation. 

 

Evaluation:

You will be evaluated based on the following rubric:  (CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE COPY)

 

Oral Presentation RubricPossible PointsSelf-AssessmentTeacher Assessment
Complete Venn diagram with unique adaptations listed at bottom. 25
PowerPoint Presentation well-designed and with 15 slides 25
Presentation was well planned and coherent. (Evidence of rehearsal) 10
Poster board  (helpful, neat) 10
Teamwork:  Every member of group played a role 10
Presentation shows evidence of research on Chimpanzees (good understanding of similarities and differences) 10
Communication Skills (eye contact, posture, clear voice, appropriate volume, transitions between speakers smooth, and all members presented) 10
Total Possible Points100

Note that half of your grade is based on the completion of the Venn diagram and PowerPoint, while the other half is distributed among different presentation aspects.  Teamwork is a part of your grade as well.  Make sure that each member plays a role in research and presentation.

Conclusion:

Chimpanzees and Humans are very different in many ways.  Humans are much more advanced in thought and practical skills.  Yet, there are still many shared characteristics, such as a complex social hierarchy, ability to use “tools”, and communication.  These adaptations have allowed both humans and chimpanzees to survive, each in their respective habitat.  Understanding chimpanzee behavior can help us understand our own evolution, where we came from, and perhaps where we are going.

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Chapter 46 AP Obj Animal Reproduction

 

 

Chapter 46   Animal Reproduction
Objectives
Overview of Animal Reproduction
1.Distinguish between asexual and sexual reproduction.
2.List and describe four mechanisms of asexual reproduction.
3.Describe several adaptive advantages of asexual reproduction. Discuss the conditions that may favor the occurrence of asexual reproduction.
4.Explain the advantages of periodic reproduction. Describe factors that may control the timing of reproductive events.
5.Describe an example of an animal life cycle that alternates between asexual and sexual reproduction.
6.Define parthenogenesis and describe the conditions that favor its occurrence. Note examples of invertebrate and vertebrate species that use this form of reproduction.
7.Explain how hermaphroditism may be advantageous in sessile or burrowing animals that have difficulty encountering a member of the opposite sex.
8.Distinguish between male-first and female-first sequential hermaphroditism. Note the adaptive advantages of these reproductive systems.
Mechanisms of Sexual Reproduction
9.Describe mechanisms that increase the probability that mature sperm will encounter fertile eggs of the same species in organisms that use external fertilization.
10.Explain the function of pheromones in mate attraction.
11.Compare reproductive systems using internal and external fertilization on the basis of the relative number of zygotes and protection of the embryos.
12.List and describe various methods of egg and embryo protection.
13.Compare the reproductive systems of a polychaete worm, a parasitic flatworm, an insect, a common nonmammalian vertebrate, and a mammal.
Mammalian Reproduction
14.Using a diagram, identify and give the function of each component of the reproductive system of the human male.
15.Using a diagram, identify and give the function of each component of the reproductive system of the human female.
16.Describe the two physiological reactions common to sexual arousal in both sexes.
17.Describe the four phases of the sexual response cycle.
18.Compare menstrual cycles and estrous cycles.
19.Describe the stages of the human female reproductive cycle.
20.Explain how the uterine cycle and ovarian cycle are synchronized in female mammals. Note in detail the functions of the hormones involved.
21.Describe human oogenesis.
22.Describe spermatogenesis and the structure and function of mature sperm.
23.Describe three major differences between oogenesis and spermatogenesis.
24.Describe human menopause. Describe a possible evolutionary explanation for human menopause.
25.Describe the influence of androgens on primary and secondary sex characteristics and behavior.
26.Compare the patterns of hormone secretion and reproductive events in male and female mammals.
27.Define conception, gestation, and parturition.
28.Compare the length of pregnancies in humans, rodents, dogs, cows, and elephants.
29.Describe the changes that occur in the mother and the developing embryo during each trimester of a human pregnancy.
30.Explain the role of embryonic hormones during the first few months of pregnancy.
31.Describe the stages of parturition.
32.Describe the control of lactation.
33.Describe mechanisms that may help prevent the motherÕs immune system from rejecting the developing embryo.
34.List the various methods of contraception and explain how each works.
35.Describe techniques that allow us to learn about the health and genetics of a fetus.
36.Explain how and when in vitro fertilization, zygote intrafallopian transfer, and gamete intrafallopian transfer may be used.
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Chapter 47 AP Obj Animal Development

 

 

Chapter 47    Animal Development
Objectives
The Stages of Embryonic Development in Animals
1.Compare the concepts of preformation and epigenesis.
2.List the two functions of fertilization.
3.Describe the acrosomal reaction and explain how it ensures that gametes are conspecific.
4.Describe the cortical reaction.
5.Explain how the fast and slow blocks to polyspermy function sequentially to prevent multiple sperm from fertilizing the egg.
6.Describe the changes that occur in an activated egg and explain the importance of cytoplasmic materials to egg activation.
7.Compare fertilization in a sea urchin and in a mammal.
8.Describe the general process of cleavage.
9.Explain the importance of embryo polarity during cleavage. Compare the characteristics of the animal hemisphere, vegetal hemisphere, and gray crescent in amphibian embryos.
10.Describe the formation of a blastula in sea urchin, amphibian, and bird embryos. Distinguish among meroblastic cleavage, holoblastic cleavage, and the formation of the blastoderm.
11.Describe the product of cleavage in an insect embryo.
12.Describe the process of gastrulation and explain its importance. Explain how this process rearranges the embryo. List adult structures derived from each of the primary germ layers.
13.Compare gastrulation in a sea urchin, a frog, and a chick.
14.Describe the formation of the notochord, neural tube, and somites in a frog.
15.Describe the significance and fate of neural crest cells. Explain why neural crest cells have been called a “fourth germ layer.”
16.List and explain the functions of the extraembryonic membranes in reptile eggs.
17.Describe the events of cleavage in a mammalian embryo. Explain the significance of the inner cell mass.
18.Explain the role of the trophoblast in implantation of a human embryo.
19.Explain the functions of the extraembryonic membranes in mammalian development.
The Cellular and Molecular Basis of Morphogenesis and Differentiation in Animals
20.Describe the significance of changes in cell shape and cell position during embryonic development. Explain how these cellular processes occur. Describe the process of convergent extension.
21.Describe the role of the extracellular matrix in embryonic development.
22.Describe the locations and functions of cell adhesion molecules.
23.Describe the two general principles that integrate our knowledge of the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying differentiation.
24.Describe the process of fate mapping and the significance of fate maps.
25.Describe the two important conclusions that have resulted from the experimental manipulation of parts of embryos and the use of fate maps.
26.Explain how the three body axes are established in early amphibian and chick development.
27.Explain the significance of SpemannÕs organizer in amphibian development.
28.Explain what is known about the molecular basis of induction.
29.Explain pattern formation in a developing chick limb, including the roles of the apical ectodermal ridge and the zone of polarizing activity.
30.Explain how a limb bud is directed to develop into either a forelimb or a hind limb.
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