Problem 6 - Campbell Biology

Question

\begin{equation} \begin{array}{l}{\text { Although some sharks close their eyes just before they bite, }} \\ {\text { their bites are on target. Researchers have noted that sharks }} \\ {\text { often misdirect their bites at metal objects and that they can }} \\ {\text { find batteries buried under sand. This evidence suggests that }} \\ {\text { sharks keep track of their prey during the split second before }} \\ {\text { they bite in the same way that }}\end{array} \end{equation}\begin{equation} \begin{array}{l}{\text { (A) a rattlesnake finds a mouse in its burrow. }} \\\ {\text { (B) an insect avolds being stepped on. }} \\ {\text { (C) a star- nosed mole locates its prey in tunnels. }} \\ {\text { (D) a platypus locates its prey in a muddy river. }}\end{array} \end{equation}

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

D

Step 1: Understand the Passage

The passage describes how sharks can accurately target their prey even when they close their eyes just before biting. Researchers have observed that sharks can still locate metal objects and buried batteries, indicating they use an additional sense to track prey at the last moment.

Step 2: Identify Keywords

Keywords to focus on include 'sharks', 'close their eyes', 'bites on target', 'misdirect bites at metal objects', 'find batteries buried under sand', and 'same way that'. These keywords help in identifying the unique sensing ability sharks use.

Step 3: Analyze the Answer Choices

Review the choices and match the keyword 'same way that' with the behavior attributed to other animals: (A) a rattlesnake finds a mouse in its burrow. (B) an insect avoids being stepped on. (C) a star-nosed mole locates its prey in tunnels. (D) a platypus locates its prey in a muddy river.

Step 4: Compare with Animal Behavior

The correct analogy must involve using a non-visual sense to detect prey in challenging environments, similar to how sharks locate metal objects and batteries. Answer choice (D) a platypus locates its prey in a muddy river is the most similar because platypuses use electroreception to detect prey in murky waters, much like sharks.

Key Concepts

animal behavior

Many animals exhibit fascinating behaviors that help them survive and thrive in their environments, including skilled hunting techniques and sensory adaptations.
Sharks, for example, have evolved numerous specialized behaviors to locate and capture their prey effectively.
Some of these behaviors include relying on finely tuned senses that allow them to detect prey even in murky waters or low-light conditions.
Another noteworthy behavior is found in rattlesnakes, which can find mice in their burrows using heat-sensitive pits to detect infrared radiation.
Similarly, star-nosed moles can locate prey in tunnels through their highly sensitive nasal tentacles, while insects may perform quick evasive maneuvers to avoid being stepped on.
This demonstrates the wide variety of animal behaviors evolved for survival.

electroreception

Electroreception is a remarkable sensory ability found in some aquatic animals, allowing them to detect electrical fields produced by other organisms.
Sharks are particularly known for their use of electroreception, which aids them in hunting.
This sense relies on specialized cells known as ampullae of Lorenzini, which can detect the electrical signals generated by the muscle contractions of their prey.
In addition to sharks, the platypus is another animal that uses electroreception to locate its prey in muddy rivers where visibility is low.
This unique sense helps them find food by detecting muscle movement and heartbeat signals, giving them a crucial advantage in their environment.

shark hunting tactics

Sharks employ a range of sophisticated hunting tactics to effectively capture their prey.
One of their key tactics is the use of electroreception to detect hidden or obscured prey.
Even when visibility is poor, sharks can sense the electrical fields generated by potential prey, allowing them to zero in on their target even with their eyes closed.
Additionally, sharks may use their lateral line system to detect vibrations and movements in the water, giving them further sensory information to locate prey.
By misdirecting bites at metal objects or locating buried batteries, sharks demonstrate their reliance on electroreception and other non-visual senses to aid in their precise hunting strategies.