Problem 9 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

In terrestrial animals: a. the hairs of taste receptors are derived from cilia and contain microtubules. b. the hairs of smell receptors are derived from microvilli and contain microfilaments. c. signals from taste receptors are relayed to the temporal lobes. d. information from olfactory receptors is processed in the parietal lobes. connections from the olfactory bulbs lead to the limbic system.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Statements a, b and d are incorrect. In most terrestrial animals, both taste and smell receptors derive their hairs from microvilli, and these hairs contain microfilaments. The signal from taste receptors is relayed to the gustatory cortex (part of the cerebral cortex), not the temporal lobes. Information from olfactory receptors is processed in the olfactory cortex (part of the temporal lobe), not in the parietal lobes. However, it is correct that connections from the olfactory bulbs lead to the limbic system.

Step 1: Identify the origins and compositions of the receptors

According to the exercise, it states that the hairs of taste receptors are derived from cilia and contain microtubules, while the hairs of smell receptors are derived from microvilli and contain microfilaments.

Step 2: Identify the processing areas in the brain

The exercise also shares information on where signals from these receptors are processed. Taste receptor signals are relayed to the temporal lobes, and olfactory receptor signals are processed in the parietal lobes, with connections from the olfactory bulbs leading to the limbic system.

Step 3: Cross-Check with Biological Facts

Now we need to cross check these assertions with known biological facts: The facts provided are true for most terrestrial animals. However, olfactory receptor signals (smell) are primarily processed in the olfactory cortex, which is a part of the temporal lobe, not the parietal lobe.