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An investigation was carried out to find out how the breathing rate of a group of desert tortoises varied over a year - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 8 - 2023
Question 8
An investigation was carried out to find out how the breathing rate of a group of desert tortoises varied over a year. The results are shown in the table. Average b... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:An investigation was carried out to find out how the breathing rate of a group of desert tortoises varied over a year - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 8 - 2023
Step 1
Express, as a simple whole number ratio, the breathing rate in the months of January, March and October.
Answer
To find the breathing rates for the specified months:
- January: 2.8 breaths/min
- March: 14.0 breaths/min
- October: 16.8 breaths/min
Now express these values as a ratio:
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Convert to whole numbers:
- January: 2.8 (round to 3)
- March: 14.0 (keep as 14)
- October: 16.8 (round to 17)
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Write the ratio: 3:14:17
Finally, express this as a simplified form: 1:5:6.
Step 2
Use evidence from the table to identify the months when desert tortoises were hibernating.
Answer
The months when desert tortoises were hibernating can be identified by looking at the lower breathing rates: January (2.8), February (2.9), November (3.2), and December (2.7). Therefore, the months when the tortoises were hibernating are January, February, November, and December.
Step 3
Name this response and explain why it is consequential.
Answer
Name: Aestivation
Explanation: Aestivation is the behavioral response seen in desert tortoises that allows them to conserve energy during adverse conditions such as drought. By reducing their heart and breathing rates, they minimize their metabolic demands, which is crucial for survival in environments where resources are limited.
Step 4
Step 5
State the advantage to sugar gliders of reducing their metabolic rate each day.
Answer
The advantage to sugar gliders of reducing their metabolic rate each day is that it helps them save or conserve energy, allowing them to survive periods of food scarcity and reducing the need for constant energy intake.