What kinds of observations might lead to the conclusion that the snail is a parasite, or that it has a mutualistic relationship with the coral?
Directions: For this homework assignment, you are required to answer one of the following two critical thinking questions. Please provide strong responses that demonstrate critical thinking skills. In this case, short responses may not demonstrate the level of critical thinking skill required for full credit.
- Two species of sea urchins live practically side by side on sandy bottoms. The two species appear to have the same diet (drift seaweeds and other bits of organic matter). They are able to live in the same environment without competing with each other. How might they be able to share their habitat and food resources?
- It is not always easy to categorize a particular case of symbiosis. Suppose a certain species of snail is always found living on a certain coral. No one has found evidence that the snail harms the coral, so the relationship is classified as an example of commensalism. How would you go about testing this hypothesis? What kinds of observations might lead to the conclusion that the snail is a parasite, or that it has a mutualistic relationship with the coral?
Part II
Essay
a the different physical adaptations seen in bony fish, cartilaginous fish, and tooth whales to adapt with the marine environment. Describe and discuss the physical and physiological adaptations for the following: temperature, salinity, and pressure. Look at respiratory and circulatory systems to help identify these adaptations.