Locomotion

Question 1

Describe the different types of locomotion in
animals

Answer 1

Climbing, hopping/leaping, gliding, running,
powered flight, and swimming

Question 2

How are animals adapted for movement?

Answer 2

Animals have various adaptations such as
body shape, limb bone length, muscularity,
spinal flexibility, and foot/hoof/digit
arrangement that enhance their locomotion.

Question 3

Define musculoskeletal adaptations in
climbing animals.

Answer 3

Climbing animals often have long limbs,
opposable hands and feet, prehensile tails,
and keratinised nails or claws to improve grip.

Question 4

Explain the adaptations for powered flight in
birds.

Answer 4

Birds have long bones that form wings,
lightweight bones with a honey-comb
structure, lighter beaks, and feathers that aid
in flight and provide waterproofing.

Question 5

Analyse locomotion styles in mammals and
birds.

Answer 5

Different species exhibit unique locomotion
styles such as climbing in monkeys, hopping
in kangaroos, gliding in flying squirrels,
running in cheetahs, powered flight in eagles,
and swimming in dolphins.

Question 6

What are the symptoms of musculoskeletal
disorders?

Answer 6

Symptoms can include pain, stiffness,
swelling, and reduced mobility in affected
areas.

Question 7

Describe the role of spinal flexibility in animal
locomotion.

Answer 7

Spinal flexibility allows for greater range of
motion and agility, which is crucial for various
locomotion styles such as climbing and
running.

Question 8

What adaptations do animals have for
swimming?

Answer 8

Adaptations for swimming may include
streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and
specialized fins or flippers

Question 9

Define the term ‘locomotion’ in the context of
animals.

Answer 9

Locomotion refers to the movement of
animals from one place to another, which can occur through various styles depending on the species.

Question 10

Describe the adaptations of kangaroos for
hopping and leaping.

Answer 10

Kangaroos have strong muscles, elastic
tendons, and long powerful rear limbs that
facilitate their ability to hop and leap.

Question 11

How do dolphins adapt for swimming?

Answer 11

Adaptations for swimming may include
streamlined bodies, webbed feet, and
specialized fins or flippers.

Question 12

Define the adaptations that allow flying
squirrels to glide.

Answer 12

Flying squirrels possess a lightweight skeleton
and a patagium, which is a fold of skin
between their forelimbs and hindlimbs,
allowing them to glide effectively

Question 13

What adaptations do cheetahs have for
running?

Answer 13

Cheetahs have long limbs, a lightweight
skeleton, and a flexible spine, along with the
absence of some bones like the collar bone,
which enhances their running speed.

Question 14

How do polar bears adapt their feet for
running on smooth surfaces?

Answer 14

Polar bears have tiny hairs on the pads of
their feet that provide grip on smooth
surfaces, aiding in their movement.

Question 15

Describe the musculoskeletal adaptations of
mammals for locomotion.

Answer 15

Mammals have ball and socket joints between
cervical vertebrae and the first and second
thoracic vertebrae for greater flexibility, and
ligaments in lower limbs to increase stability
and energy efficiency.

Question 16

What role do caudal vertebrae play in the
adaptations of mammals?

Answer 16

Caudal vertebrae form the tail, which helps in
balance and stability during movement.

Question 17

How do lightweight skeletons benefit gliding
animals?

Answer 17

Lightweight skeletons reduce the energy
required for gliding and enhance
maneuverability in the air.

Question 18

Define the importance of elastic tendons in
hopping animals.

Answer 18

Elastic tendons store and release energy
efficiently, allowing hopping animals to
conserve energy during movement.

Question 19

Describe the significance of flexible spines in
running animals.

Answer 19

Flexible spines allow for greater range of
motion and speed, enabling running animals
to cover ground more effectively.

Question 20

Describe the adaptations of dense limb bones in certain animals.

Answer 20

Dense limb bones with thick walls support
weight.

Question 21

How do forelegs differ from hind legs in some
animals?

Answer 21

Forelegs are approximately 10% longer than
hind legs to support the neck, along with
significant muscle development in the neck
and shoulders.

Question 22

Explain the purpose of a long neck in certain
animals.

Answer 22

A long neck allows animals to reach food and
monitor the area for predators.

Question 23

What is the function of hooves in animals?

Answer 23

Hooves support weight, protect the bone, and
offer more traction when running.

Question 24

Define pneumatic bones and their
significance in birds.

Answer 24

Pneumatic bones have air cavities that
increase air reaching cells, and the number of
these cavities varies between species.

Question 25

How do additional neck vertebrae benefit birds?

Answer 25

More neck vertebrae allow birds to groom feathers, which keeps flight smooth.

Question 26

What is the advantage of having a beak instead of a mandible in birds?

Answer 26

A beak reduces weight, which is beneficial for flight.

Question 27

Describe the role of a fused collarbone in birds.

Answer 27

A fused collarbone increases strength in birds.

Question 28

How do the number of bones in birds compare to mammals or reptiles?

Answer 28

Birds have fewer bones than mammals or reptiles, which reduces weight and increases stability.

Question 29

What is the purpose of fused vertebrae in birds?

Answer 29

Fused vertebrae provide stability.

Question 30

Explain how hollow bones benefit birds.

Answer 30

Hollow bones reduce weight, making it easier for birds to fly.

Question 31

What is the function of a keeled sternum in birds?

Answer 31

A keeled sternum provides stability

Question 32

Define musculoskeletal disorders and their impact on animals.

Answer 32

Musculoskeletal disorders are caused by problems with joints or bones, affecting the body's ability to move and function normally.

Question 33

How does inbreeding relate to musculoskeletal disorders in domesticated species?

Answer 33

Inbreeding can make certain species more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders.

Question 34

List some common causes of arthritis in animals.

Answer 34

Common causes of arthritis include injury, incorrect weight, and insufficient nutrition.

Question 35

What are the symptoms of arthritis in animals?

Answer 35

Symptoms of arthritis can include pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

Question 36

Identify a musculoskeletal disorder that affects the hip joint.

Answer 36

Hip dysplasia is a musculoskeletal disorder that affects the hip joint.

Question 37

What is osteochondrosis and how does it relate to musculoskeletal disorders?

Answer 37

Osteochondrosis is a disorder that affects the growth of cartilage and can lead to joint problems.

Question 38

Describe the impact of osteoarthritis on joints.

Answer 38

Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage in the joints, leading to bone rubbing on bone, which can alter the shape of the joint.

Question 39

How does osteoarthritis progress over time?

Answer 39

Osteoarthritis is progressive, leading to reduced mobility and potentially resulting in obesity due to lack of exercise and increased stress on joints.

Question 40

Define the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

Answer 40

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, inability to rise, and an uneven gait.

Question 41

What causes hip dysplasia?

Answer 41

Hip dysplasia is caused by malformation of the hip joint, which deteriorates as it is unable to function properly.

Question 42

List the symptoms of hip dysplasia.

Answer 42

Symptoms of hip dysplasia include loose joints, reduced activity, difficulty running or jumping, swaying gait, pain, and decreased movement in the joint.

Question 43

Explain the condition known as osteochondritis.

Answer 43

Osteochondritis occurs when the normal development of cartilage to bone is halted, making the cartilage more susceptible to mechanical damage.

Question 44

What factors can contribute to osteochondritis?

Answer 44

Osteochondritis can be caused by genetics or trauma.

Question 45

Identify the symptoms of osteochondritis

Answer 45

Symptoms of osteochondritis include lameness that worsens after exercise, inability to weight-bear on affected limbs, pain, and muscle wastage.

Question 46

How is osteochondritis managed long-term?

Answer 46

A long-term management plan for osteochondritis may include restricting exercise, but quality of life can be compromised.