Take home exam 1 – Biology 130 Summer 2013
Name:____________
1) (10 points) In the tree of life shown in class, the main branches are based on the
following splits shown below. Describe the main difference (in a few words)
between the each of the following (note there are definitions in the chapter pdf or on
Wikipedia):
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
Porifera and Eumetazoa
Bilateria and Radiata
Ecdysozoa and Lophotrochozoa
Protostome and Deuterostome
v) Of the splits above, which do you think is the least obvious?
2) (20 points) Give five or more types of evidence for continental drift and plate
tectonics
i) Evidence 1
ii) Evidence 2
iii) Evidence 3
iv) Evidence 4
v) Evidence 5
3) (10 points) Name 3 technological advances, products, or discoveries that would
benefit society that could come in the next 60 years from the oceans.
i) Advance 1
ii) Advance 2
iii) Advance 3
4) (40 points) Describe adaptations of marine animals. Use examples from different
animal phyla. The examples can be from class or information gained elsewhere.
i) Three very different adaptations for filter feeding (i.e., 3 adaptations from 3
animals that are in different phyla such as porifera molluska, and
echinodermata)
ii) Two unusual adaptations for reproduction. What advantage is gained by these
reproductive strategies?
iii) Three different adaptations for prey capture or digestion
iv) Three different adaptations for self protection
Thought question (10 points) : Molluscs are thought to have evolved from a snail-like
ancestor. In the Lampsilis freshwater mussel example, multiple stepwise modifications of
the mantle tissue eventually resulted in a structure that is a fake fish. The steps that led to
modern humans are not known with 100% certainty. Suggest the order in which the
following characteristics appeared in humans. There are no wrong answers, but explain
why you think that the order is logical. Characteristics: (i) larger brain (ii) walking
upright (iii) using tools (iv) frequent meat eating.
Thought question (10 points) We are examining the diversity of animal types to better
understand what an animal is. Whether science provides a useful way to understand
ourselves and humans in general is a matter of opinion.
Consider the following scenario and decide what you would do. You are hiking in the
remote wilderness with your dog Retch. You are enjoying the solitude when suddenly a
wall of water from a flash flood comes hurtling through the canyon. Retch is swept into
the raging torrent. As an extremely fit, former Navy SEAL, you rush down the canyon to
save Retch when you see that there is another hiker, a complete stranger, who is also
about to drown, and there is a 1000 foot waterfall just downstream. You only have time
to save Retch or the stranger. No one else is around to help. What do you do? Justify
your answer. Is there a scientific basis for your answer?
Note – since you are very strong, there is no
danger of the stranger pulling you into the water.
The stranger does not have any distinguishing
features but does not look like he has a lot of
money or is smoking hot like Justin Bieber.
Retch is also not rich or smoking hot. On a side
note, you had told Retch to stay in camp, but
instead he followed you, so you could argue that
you are not responsible for him being in harm’s
way.