Q50.2-1CC - Campbell Biology

Question

How are otoliths adaptive for burrowing mammals, such as the star-nosed mole?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The otolith organ is the present ear. The term otolith collected from saccule and utricle a vestibular system is designed to detect the gravitation and linear acceleration, such as initiation of movement in a straight forward way.

Step 1: Burrowing mammals

Mammals like star nose moles have the ability to burrow. The mole adapted to live underground for predation and protection from extreme weather conditions; and these animals help the plant in roots aeration.

Step 2: Star-nosed mole

The star-nosed mole is a burrowing animal found in moist areas like wetlands. Mole can smell by blowing bubbles underwater. The body is covered with fur, the size of the body is large. They burrow soil very fast and deep. The eyes are small and blind.

Step 3: Burrowing animal adaption of otoliths

The nose of the mole acts as a sensory organ because these help them to see. Sensory organs shaped by 22 fleshy fingers like appendages or tendrils connect with the brain cerebellum to provide information about the motion and position of the head.

Gravitational orientation is the animal's movement in a particular direction and is super sensitive to touch.