Introduction to Organismal Biology (BIOL221) - Dr. S.G. Saupe; Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321; ssaupe@csbsju.edu; http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe/

Study Guide:  Form & Function

Objectives:   Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Describe what is meant by a surface-to-volume ratio
2. Be able to calculate the surface area, volume and s/v ratio for a square or rectangle
3. Describe the biological significance of s/v ratios.
4. Describe the relationship of form and function
5. Explain how physical laws constrain animal form.
6. Explain how the size and shape of an animal's and plant's body affect its interactions with the environment.

Readings/Study Materials:

1. parts of Chapter 40
2. online form and function notes
3. Surface-volume questions - online
4. Presidential Notes - provided in class
5. Bonner (2006) article - available in public folder

Definitions:  can you use the following terms conversationally?

Questions:

1. be able to answer the Surface-volume questions.
2. list the hierarchy of biological organization.  Can you give an example of each level
3. identify two major themes that will run through our course this year.
4. define physiology, morphology, anatomy
5. what does it mean that form and function is an evolutionary compromise or trade-off?
6. be able to calculate the surface area, volume and surface/volume ratio of a cube
7. explain what it means that the surface area increases by the square of the linear dimension and volume increases by the cube.
8. why are surface/volume ratios important.  Provide some examples.
9. How does motility relate to surface/volume ratio?
10. what are some form changes that accompany getting larger?
11. What is the relationship between body size and basal metabolic rate.  Explain why it exists.
12. What determines the upper size limit for an animal?
13. What determines the lower size limit?
14. Bonner article questions:  As an animal gets larger, what is the impact (decreases, increases, no change) on each of the following:  structural complexity, basal metabolic rate, generation time, abundance, life span, running speed, effect of gravity (Reynold's Number).  Provide an rationale for your answers.