Form amp; FuncTioN - Center for Technology and Teacher Education表amp；功能-技术与教师教育中心.ppt

Form FuncTioN What is a skeleton? Exercise directions An adaptation is a characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. Can you identify a structure that serves as an adaptation for a kangaroo? Let’s try another example… Think about some adaptations in the next example…..  A homologous structure is a characteristic shared by related species that has been inherited from a common ancestor. See example Analogous Structures What characteristics do these three animals have in common? Let’s take a closer look at their skeletons… Anteater: Order Xenarthra: Identifying Related Species: Make observations about the forms of different organisms. Draw inferences about the functions of those forms. Consider how those forms may serve as adaptations. Compare those adaptations to other organisms. Do the forms and adaptations represent homologous or analogous structures? What else might you need to know in order to identify related species? Conclusions: 1. The Kangaroo Tail A Kangaroo’s Tail is long and muscular, extending all the way down to the ground. It serves as a sturdy prop while the kangaroo sits or stands. When the kangaroo fights, sometimes the only limb touching the ground is the tail! ??Can you think of any human inventions that may resemble a kangaroo tail in both form and function? Forelimbs A Kangaroo’s Forelimbs are thin and short and help the animal “hop” forward. Compare the kangaroo’s forelimbs to the arms of a runner. How are they similar and how are they different in both form and function? Kangaroo Hind legs The Kangaroo’s hind legs have tendons that act like rubber bands, propelling the animal forward in quick, strong leaps. It’s large feet help the animal sit and balance, and are also a very powerful defense mechanism. No one wants to experience the kick of a kangaroo!T By making careful observations and inferences, we are able to formulate hypotheses on the relationships between form and function.