BIOL 172 Chapter Notes - Chapter 40: Ice, Superficial Vein, Brown Adipose Tissue
Document Summary
Because form and function are correlated, examining anatomy often provides clues to physiology. An animal"s size and shape are fundamental aspects of form that affect the way the animal interacts with its environment. The body plan of an animal is the result of a pattern of development programmed by the genome, itself the product of million years of evolution. Physical laws that govern strength, diffusion, movement, and heat exchange limit the range of animal forms. Some properties of water limit the possible shapes for animals that are fast swimmers. Physical laws also influence animal body plans with regard to maximum size. biological form. biological function. Water is about 1000x denser than air and also far more viscous (having a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid). Any bump on an animal"s body surface that causes drag impedes a swimmer more than it would a runner or flyer.
