Homework Quiz #20
This quiz is based on homework assignments from the Holt Modern Biology Textbook.
- 1.
List two unique features of a bird's skeleton.
- A.
Skeleton is made of cartiliage and is rigid
- B.
Skeleton is made of hollow bones and is lightweight
- C.
Skeleton is heavy and sturdy
- D.
Skeleton is made of pores and air sacs
- E.
Skeleton is dry and hard
Correct Answer
B. Skeleton is made of hollow bones and is lightweightExplanation
Birds have a unique skeletal structure that is made of hollow bones, which makes their skeleton lightweight. This adaptation allows birds to fly more efficiently by reducing their overall weight. The hollow bones also provide additional air sacs within the skeleton, which aids in respiration during flight. This lightweight and hollow bone structure is a key feature that distinguishes birds from other animals.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What are two functions of feathers?
- A.
Strength and support
- B.
Wind resistance and control
- C.
Beauty and appearance
- D.
Flight and insulation
- E.
None of the avove
Correct Answer
D. Flight and insulationExplanation
Feathers serve two main functions: flight and insulation. Flight feathers are specialized to provide lift and control during flight, enabling birds to soar through the air. Insulation feathers, on the other hand, help regulate body temperature by trapping air close to the bird's skin, providing warmth. These two functions are crucial for the survival and adaptation of birds in their environments.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Describe two characteristics shared by Archaeopteryx and modern birds.
- A.
Covered in feathers and have wings
- B.
Have hollow bones and and a furcula
- C.
Have beaks and tails
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Archaeopteryx and modern birds share multiple characteristics. Firstly, they are both covered in feathers and have wings, which enable them to fly. Secondly, they both have hollow bones and a furcula (also known as a wishbone), which provide lightweight and flexible structures for flight. Lastly, they both have beaks and tails, although the specific shapes and sizes may vary. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above" as all the listed characteristics are shared by Archaeopteryx and modern birds.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In what way does a gizzard compensate for the lack of teeth in birds?
- A.
The gizzard digests food for the bird
- B.
The gizzard rips food for the bird
- C.
The gizzard mashes food for the bird
- D.
The gizzard grinds food for the bird.
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. The gizzard grinds food for the bird.Explanation
The gizzard is a specialized organ in birds that helps them break down and grind their food. Unlike mammals, birds do not have teeth to chew their food. Instead, they swallow their food whole or in large pieces. The food then enters the gizzard, which contains small stones or grit. The muscular walls of the gizzard contract and grind the food against the stones, breaking it down into smaller particles that can be easily digested. Therefore, the gizzard compensates for the lack of teeth in birds by grinding the food.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the function of the keeled sternum?
- A.
To help with running
- B.
The attachment point for the gizzard
- C.
The attachment point for some of the flight muscles
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. The attachment point for some of the flight musclesExplanation
The function of the keeled sternum is to serve as the attachment point for some of the flight muscles. This allows birds to have strong and efficient wing movements during flight. The keeled sternum provides the necessary support and leverage for the flight muscles to generate the required force for flying.Rate this question:
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- 6.
How does hair help a mammal maintain its body temperature?
- A.
Hair protects the body helping to retain body heat
- B.
Hair suppots the body helping to retain body heat
- C.
Hair calms the body helping to retain body heat
- D.
Hair insulates the body helping to retain body heat
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
D. Hair insulates the body helping to retain body heatExplanation
Hair insulates the body helping to retain body heat. Hair acts as a layer of insulation, trapping air close to the body and reducing heat loss. This insulation helps to maintain the body's temperature by preventing the escape of heat from the body surface.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Why was it advantageous for the early mammals to be nocturnal?
- A.
To be protected from the sun
- B.
To avoid competition and being eaten by larger animals
- C.
To protect their young
- D.
All the best food can be found at night
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. To avoid competition and being eaten by larger animalsExplanation
It was advantageous for early mammals to be nocturnal because being active at night allowed them to avoid competition with larger animals that were active during the day. Additionally, being nocturnal provided them with protection from being eaten by larger predators, as they could hide and move around more safely under the cover of darkness.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How does the heart of a mammal differ from the heart of a lizard?
- 9.
A mammal eats about 10 times as much food as a lizard of the same size. Explain this difference.
- A.
A mammal needs more food to fuel its rapid metabolism than a lizard
- B.
A mammal needs more food to keep its teeth stronger than a lizard
- C.
A mammal needs more food to hunt more so than a lizard
- D.
A mammal needs more food to keep it warm than a lizard does
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer
A. A mammal needs more food to fuel its rapid metabolism than a lizardExplanation
A mammal has a higher metabolic rate compared to a lizard. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur within an organism to maintain life. Mammals have a higher metabolic rate because they are endothermic, meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally. This requires more energy, which is obtained through food. Lizards, on the other hand, are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. Therefore, mammals need more food to fuel their rapid metabolism compared to lizards of the same size.Rate this question:
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