BSC 2011 Chapter Notes - Chapter 40: Stratified Squamous Epithelium, Simple Columnar Epithelium, Simple Squamous Epithelium

• School: University of Florida
• Department: Biology - Biological Sciences
• Course: BSC 2011
• Professor: Chen Sixue

Document Summary

40. 1 animal form and function are correlated at all levels of organization. Evolution of animal size and shape: many different body plans have arisen during the course of evolution, but these variations fall within certain bounds. Strength, diffusion, movement, and heat exchange limit the range of animal forms: convergent evolution: natural selection often results in similar adaptations when diverse organisms face the same environmental challenge. Physical laws also influence animal body plans with regard to maximum size. As body dimensions increase, thicker skeletons are required to maintain adequate support: limitation affects internal skeletons, such as those of vertebrates, as well as external skeletons, such as those of insects and other arthropods. As bodies increase in size, the muscles required for locomotion must represent an ever-larger fraction of the total body mass. Exchange with the environment: animals must exchange nutrients, waste products, and gases with their environment, and this requirement limits body plans.