Woolly mammoths are an extinct species of elephant that lived in very cold climates - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2003 - Paper 1
Question 18
Woolly mammoths are an extinct species of elephant that lived in very cold climates. They had very small ears.
Compared with the large ears of modern elephants, sma... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Woolly mammoths are an extinct species of elephant that lived in very cold climates - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 18 - 2003 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. decreasing the core body temperature.
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Answer
This option is incorrect as smaller ears would not directly affect the core body temperature of the mammoths.
Step 2
B. increasing the effects of heat conduction.
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Answer
This option is also incorrect because small ears do not enhance heat conduction; in fact, larger ears would facilitate more heat loss.
Step 3
C. increasing the radiation of heat from the body.
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Answer
This option is not suitable, as smaller ears would reduce heat radiation instead of increasing it.
Step 4
D. decreasing the surface area through which heat is lost.
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Answer
This is the correct answer. Smaller ears reduce the surface area exposed to the cold environment, minimizing heat loss and helping woolly mammoths retain warmth in frigid conditions.
