Explain how organisms have overcome the challenges of being multicellular.
- There is division of labor, different cells being adapted to perform specific functions. This has improved efficiently in co-ordination of life-sustaining processes.
- Specialized respiratory surfaces have been developed to enhance gaseous exchange. These are usually highly folded to increase surface area for gaseous exchange. For example, lungs and gills.
- A specialized transport system has been developed to move gases and other materials to and from the body cells. For example, in higher animals and plants.
- In some, the body is flattened, thus reducing the distances between the two body surfaces and enhancing the process of diffusion. For example, in flat worms and leaves of plants.
- A specialized supporting system such as a skeleton in most animals has been developed to support, protect and assist locomotion of the organism.
- In some, the body is constructed such that the tissues are thin. This reduces the diffusion distance. For example, in hydra.
- In some, there exists a system by which the external medium is brought is brought into the body so that it comes into intimate contact with all the tissues in order to enhance exchange of materials by diffusion. For example, the tracheal system of insects.
CATEGORIES Bio Questions and answers
TAGS Dr. Bbosa Science
