WAEC Biology 2006 Theory question 102

Theory question 102

Support and Movement

(a) (i) Describe three features of a typical vertebra.
(ii) Name three types of skeletons found in animals, and in each case name one animal which possesses it.
(b) (i) State four functions of the mammalian skeleton.
(ii) Name four types of joints found in the mammalian skeleton.

Show the model answer
Model answer

(a)(i) Any three: centrum – solid body that bears weight; neural canal – hole through which the spinal cord passes; neural arch – roof over the neural canal; neural spine – for muscle attachment; transverse processes – for muscle (and rib) attachment; zygapophyses (facets) – join one vertebra to the next.
(ii) Hydrostatic skeleton – earthworm; exoskeleton – cockroach, grasshopper, crab; endoskeleton – man, dog, fish.
(b)(i) Any four: support and shape; protection of delicate organs; movement/locomotion; production of blood cells; storage of calcium and phosphate; muscle attachment; breathing (ribs).
(ii) Any four: ball and socket; hinge; pivot; gliding; fixed/immovable (suture); slightly movable (cartilaginous).

Explanation

Give an example animal for each skeleton type.