Biology Unit 3 Flashcards
Unit 3 - SAQs (101 cards)
What does a longer Nasal Passage mean on a skeleton?
The Longer the nasal passage means that linked to increase reliance of olfactory sensitivity.
What does the orbital bone signify?
Larger orbital bones may indicate bigger eyes, improving vision in low-light environments, useful for nocturnal or deep-sea species.
What is the function of the Incisors?
Smaller incisors suggest a diet focused on softer foods, while larger, robust incisors indicate adaptation for cutting or gnawing tougher materials like meat or fibrous plants.
What is the function of the Canines?
Larger canines suggest a diet or behavior involving tearing flesh or display for dominance, while smaller canines indicate a diet less reliant on meat or reduced aggression.
What is the function of the Premolars?
Broad, flat premolars suggest a diet involving grinding or crushing plant material, while sharper, more pointed premolars indicate a role in shearing or processing meat.
What is the function of the Molars?
Large, flat molars with complex cusps indicate a diet heavy in grinding tough plant material, while smaller, simpler molars suggest a softer diet or more carnivorous habits.
What is the function of the Auditory Bulla?
A large, robust auditory bulla suggests acute hearing adaptations, often for detecting predators or prey, while a smaller bulla may indicate less reliance on auditory senses.
Skull function?
Protects the brain; supports facial structures.
Mandible function?
Lower jaw; holds lower teeth; allows for chewing.
Clavicle function?
Collarbone; connects the shoulder blade to the sternum.
Scapula function?
Shoulder blade; provides attachment for muscles.
Elbow function?
Allows for flexion and extension of the forearm.
Ribs function?
Protect the heart and lungs; aid in breathing.
Humerus function?
Upper arm bone.
Radius function?
Forearm bone; rotates the forearm.
Ulna function?
Forearm bone; forms the elbow joint with the humerus.
Vertebrae function?
Vertebrae protect the spinal cord and support the body.
Carpals function?
Wrist bones; allow for wrist movement.
Metacarpals function?
Hand bones; connect the carpals to the phalanges.
Pelvis function?
Supports the lower body; protects internal organs.
Sacrum function?
Fused vertebrae; forms part of the pelvis.
Phalanges (Hand) function?
Finger bones; allow for fine motor skills.
Phalanges (Foot) function?
Toe bones.
Femur function?
Thigh bone; longest bone in the body.