Photo AI
A study was carried out comparing camels, cattle and sheep - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 8
A study was carried out comparing camels, cattle and sheep. The average amount of body water the mammals lost per day when the temperature was 42°C was calculated. T... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A study was carried out comparing camels, cattle and sheep - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Using the information given, explain which animal will survive for the longest time in a hot dry environment.
Answer
The camel will survive the longest in a hot dry environment because it loses the least amount of water each day, at only 1–2%. In contrast, cattle lose 7–8% and sheep lose 4–6% of their body water. Thus, the camel is better adapted to conserve water and will take longer to become dehydrated.
Step 2
i. Explain how evaporative cooling leads to a reduction in body temperature.
Answer
Evaporative cooling occurs when sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin, taking heat away from the body. The heat absorbed from the body is used to convert the liquid sweat into vapor. This process reduces the body temperature as the heat is drawn away from the skin, allowing the animal to maintain a lower internal temperature.
Step 3
Step 4
Describe one advantage to a mammal of panting rather than sweating.
Answer
One advantage of panting over sweating is that panting provides a continuous flow of air over the moist surfaces inside the mouth and respiratory tract, which enhances the amount of evaporative cooling. This can be more efficient in rapidly dissipating heat, particularly in hot environments.
Step 5
Describe one of these adaptations.
Answer
One physiological adaptation that helps mammals survive in hot, dry environments is the ability to reabsorb increased amounts of water from urine. For example, the kidneys can concentrate urine to minimize water loss, allowing the animal to conserve more water in arid conditions.