Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

38. Animal Form and Function

Animal Tissues

General Biology

38. Animal Form and Function

Animal Tissues

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2:02 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

For each of the following, explain how structure relates to function:
absorptive sections of the digestive tract;
capillaries;
beaks of Galápagos finches;
fish gills.

Verified step by step guidance

The absorptive sections of the digestive tract, such as the small intestine, have a highly folded surface with structures called villi and microvilli. This increases the surface area, allowing for more efficient absorption of nutrients. The structure of these folds maximizes contact with digested food, facilitating nutrient uptake.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body, with walls that are only one cell thick. This thin structure allows for efficient exchange of gases, nutrients, and waste products between blood and surrounding tissues. The narrow diameter of capillaries also slows down blood flow, enhancing the exchange process.

The beaks of Galápagos finches have evolved in various shapes and sizes, each adapted to specific feeding habits. For example, finches with large, strong beaks can crack open hard seeds, while those with long, slender beaks are better suited for probing flowers for nectar. The structure of the beak directly influences the bird's ability to access different food sources.

Fish gills are composed of thin filaments covered in lamellae, which provide a large surface area for gas exchange. Water flows over the gills, and oxygen is absorbed into the blood while carbon dioxide is expelled. The structure of gills allows for efficient extraction of oxygen from water, which is crucial for the fish's survival in aquatic environments.

In each of these examples, the specific structure of the biological feature is intricately linked to its function, demonstrating the principle that form follows function in biological systems. Understanding this relationship helps explain how organisms are adapted to their environments.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Structure-Function Relationship

The structure-function relationship is a fundamental concept in biology that explains how the physical form of a biological structure is directly related to its function. For example, the absorptive sections of the digestive tract, such as the villi and microvilli, have a large surface area to maximize nutrient absorption. Understanding this relationship helps explain how specific anatomical features are optimized for their roles in an organism's survival and efficiency.

Adaptation

Adaptation refers to the evolutionary process by which organisms become better suited to their environment. The beaks of Galápagos finches are a classic example, where different shapes and sizes have evolved to exploit various food sources. This concept highlights how structural changes can enhance an organism's ability to perform specific functions, such as feeding, in response to environmental pressures.

Gas Exchange Mechanisms

Gas exchange mechanisms are crucial for understanding how organisms obtain oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Fish gills, for instance, are highly efficient structures with thin membranes and a large surface area, allowing for effective gas exchange in water. This concept illustrates how the structural design of gills facilitates their function in maintaining respiratory efficiency in aquatic environments.