Biologists have observed similarities across the domains of life in the strategi
ID: 99198 • Letter: B
Question
Biologists have observed similarities across the domains of life in the strategies that organisms have evolved to solve common problems. Organisms that are otherwise very dissimilar can have similar mechanisms for responding to information from their environments. Several examples are listed below. For each example, 1) describe the behavior that the two organisms have in common, 2) explain how this behavior helps each organism survive, and 3) predict a third organism that would be likely to also share this behavior and explain why.
a) Responses to seasonal changes by whales and by birds
b) Chemical signaling between ants and between slime molds
c) Attraction to flowers by birds and by bees
d) Dormancy behavior in perennial plants and in hibernating bears
Explanation / Answer
a) Whales and birds respond to seasonal changes by migration. During winter season, Whales and birds migrate from Arctic to temperate warm waters. Similar phenomenon is observed in birds. This migration helps these animals from protection against adverse temperature. This migration is also seen in turtles.
b) Chemical signals between ants and slime molds occur by secretion of substance called pheromones. These pheromones attract opposite sex for mating. These are also seen in frogs and some species of birds.
c) Flowers attract birds and bees with their bright colors. These animals take the nectar from flowers and at the same time they acts as agents of pollination. Apart from birds and bees, some other animals like squirrels are also attracted to flowers.
d) Dormancy and hibernation are seen in perennial plants and bears to conserve energy during unfavorable environmental and climatic conditions. The metabolic processes are slowed down. This phenomenon is also seen in some animals like Arctic ground squirrels.
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