Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems

BIL 360 - Study Guide for Exam V

The Department of Biology is required to assess cumulative knowledge of students in all our core courses at the end of every semester. In order for you not to go insane trying to parse through all the semester’s information, here is a short study guide that will help guide you through the topics we feel are most important for you to recall from Comparative Physiology.

Know the difference between ionotropic and metabotropic (e.g., GPCRs) receptors.

Recall the basic structure of an epithelium, and that its apical and basal regions are separated by

Know which biological macromolecule comprises the greatest percentage of biomass of a normal,

lean, adult tetrapod (e.g. a human). What is the most abundant animal-made organic compound on earth?

Understand basic differences between herbivore and carnivore digestive systems, and the role

played by microorganisms in animals that cannot, by themselves, digest cellulose or hemicellulose.

Know what the meaning/significance of colligative properties of a solution. What, exactly,

determines the colligative properties of a solution?

Know the meaning/significance of: afferent vs. efferent neurons, sensory vs. motor neurons,

interneurons, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, neurotransmitter, quantum

Know the meaning/significance of IPSP vs. EPSP.

Understand the concept of scaling, and how metabolic rate (and caloric needs) scales with size.

Know the meaning/significance of: iteroparious, semeloparous, parthenogenic, asexual vs. sexual

reproduction (what are the advantages of each?), Red Queen Hypothesis