An Overview of Osmoregulation |
1. |
Define osmoregulation and excretion. |
2. |
Define Define osmolarity and distinguish among isoosmotic, hyperosmotic, and hypoosmotic solutions. |
3. |
Distinguish between osmoregulators and osmoconformers. Explain why osmoregulation has an energy cost. |
4. |
Distinguish between stenohaline and euryhaline animals, and explain why euryhaline animals include both osmoconformers and osmoregulators. |
5. |
Discuss the osmoregulatory strategies of marine animals. |
6. |
Explain how the osmoregulatory problems of freshwater animals differ from those of marine animals. |
7. |
Describe anhydrobiosis as an adaptation that helps tardigrades and nematodes to survive periods of dehydration. |
8. |
Describe some adaptations that reduce water loss in terrestrial animals. |
9. |
Describe the ultimate function of osmoregulation. Explain how hemolymph and interstitial fluids are involved in this process. |
10. |
Explain the role of transport epithelia in osmoregulation and excretion. |
|
|
|
Water Balance and Waste Disposal |
11. |
Describe the production and elimination of ammonia. Explain why ammonia excretion is most common in aquatic species. |
12. |
Compare the strategies to eliminate waste as ammonia, urea, or uric acid. Note which animal groups are associated with each process and why a particular strategy is most adaptive for a particular group. |
13. |
Compare the amounts of nitrogenous waste produced by endotherms and ectotherms, and by predators and herbivores. |
|
|
|
Excretory Systems |
14. |
Describe the key steps in the process of urine production. |
15. |
Describe how a flame-bulb (protonephridial) excretory system functions. |
16. |
Explain how the metanephridial excretory tubule of annelids functions. Compare the structure to the protonephridial system. |
17. |
Describe the Malpighian tubule excretory system of insects. |
18. |
Using a diagram, identify and give the function of each structure in the mammalian excretory system. |
19. |
Using a diagram, identify and describe the function of each region of the nephron. |
20. |
Describe and explain the relationships among the processes of filtration, reabsorption, and secretion in the mammalian kidney. |
21. |
Distinguish between cortical and juxtamedullary nephrons. Explain the significance of the juxtamedullary nephrons of birds and mammals. |
22. |
Explain how the loop of Henle enhances water conservation by the kidney. |
23. |
Explain how the loop of Henle functions as a countercurrent multiplier system. |
24. |
Describe the nervous and hormonal controls involved in the regulation of the kidney. |
25. |
Explain how the feeding habits of the South American vampire bat illustrate the versatility of the mammalian kidney. |
26. |
Describe the structural and physiological adaptations in the kidneys of nonmammalian species that allow them to osmoregulate in different environments. |
|
|