AP Biology Study Guide
Chapter 30: How Animals Move
Opening Essay
1. Compare the adaptations of humans and horses that increase speed.
Movement and Locomotion
2. Describe the diverse methods of locomotion found among animals, and the forces each method must overcome.
Skeletal Support
3. Describe the three main types of skeletons, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, and provide examples
of each.
4. Describe the common features of terrestrial vertebrate skeletons, distinguishing between the axial and
appendicular skeletons and noting the special skeletal adaptations of humans.
5. Describe the complex structure of bone, noting the major tissues and their relationship to blood-forming tissues.
6. Explain why bones break and how we can help them heal. Describe the causes of osteoporosis.
7. Describe three types of joints and provide examples of each.
Muscle Contraction and Movement
8. Explain how muscles and the skeleton interact to produce movement. Explain how muscles relengthen once
contracted.
9. Describe the structure and arrangement of the filaments found in a muscle cell.
10. Explain how a muscle cell contracts.
11. Explain how a motor neuron signals a muscle fiber to contract.
12. Describe the role of calcium in a muscle contraction.
13. Explain how motor units control muscle contraction.
14. Explain what causes muscle fatigue. Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic exercise, noting the advantages
of each.
15. Compare the structure and functions of slow and fast muscle fibers. Explain why some people seem to be
natural sprinters.
C. Gay 2/4/09
Steamboat Springs High School AP Biology
Key Terms
actin
appendicular skeleton
axial skeleton
ball-and-socket joint
endoskeleton
exoskeleton
hinge joint
hydrostatic skeleton
ligament
locomotion
motor unit
muscle fiber
myofibril
myosin
osteoporosis
pivot joint
red bone marrow
sarcomere
tendon
thick filament
thin filament
yellow bone marrow
C. Gay 2/4/09
Steamboat Springs High School AP Biology