BSCI 207 EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Control Center - Answer-Compares information from receptor with set point &
determines counteraction
Effector - Answer-Uses information from control center to affect regulated factor
Response - Answer-Action by effect that returns regulated factor to original condition
Isometry - Answer-Shape exhibits geometric similarity. Predicted slope of 2/3
Allometric - Answer-Organisms rarely exhibit isometry, rather allometry where shape
changes as size changes. Allows to reach larger size and new combinations of
properties
Common Slopes - Answer-Isometry - 1/3
Area/Volume Allometric ~ 1/3
Most scaling in organisms have slopes of 1/4
Complex Transport Systems (Metabolism) - 3/4
Fractal - Answer-Self-similar based on iterative processes. Can fill irregular spaces
M = ns^d
Measurement = number of steps * step length^ dimension
Primitive Similarity - Answer-Single origin in distant ancestor i.e., amniotic egg in birds &
mammals
Not very informative
Convergent Similarity - Answer-Independent origins, Analogous structures. i.e., wings in
birds & bats
Not very informative
Derived Similarity - Answer-Single origin in relatively recent common ancestor,
homologous structures, informative
2 Types of homologous traits - Answer-Plesiomorphic - primitive (ignored as well as
convergent)
Apomorphic - derived
Clade - Answer-Group of species united by synapomorphies ( = shared derived traits)
Monophyletic group - Answer-Recent unique common ancestor & all descendants
ANSWERS
Control Center - Answer-Compares information from receptor with set point &
determines counteraction
Effector - Answer-Uses information from control center to affect regulated factor
Response - Answer-Action by effect that returns regulated factor to original condition
Isometry - Answer-Shape exhibits geometric similarity. Predicted slope of 2/3
Allometric - Answer-Organisms rarely exhibit isometry, rather allometry where shape
changes as size changes. Allows to reach larger size and new combinations of
properties
Common Slopes - Answer-Isometry - 1/3
Area/Volume Allometric ~ 1/3
Most scaling in organisms have slopes of 1/4
Complex Transport Systems (Metabolism) - 3/4
Fractal - Answer-Self-similar based on iterative processes. Can fill irregular spaces
M = ns^d
Measurement = number of steps * step length^ dimension
Primitive Similarity - Answer-Single origin in distant ancestor i.e., amniotic egg in birds &
mammals
Not very informative
Convergent Similarity - Answer-Independent origins, Analogous structures. i.e., wings in
birds & bats
Not very informative
Derived Similarity - Answer-Single origin in relatively recent common ancestor,
homologous structures, informative
2 Types of homologous traits - Answer-Plesiomorphic - primitive (ignored as well as
convergent)
Apomorphic - derived
Clade - Answer-Group of species united by synapomorphies ( = shared derived traits)
Monophyletic group - Answer-Recent unique common ancestor & all descendants
