Think Critically

  1. Infer What is the advantage of having a greater concentration of touch receptors in the fingers, toes, and face?

  2. Interpret Graphs The graph below compares age to the nearest distance in centimeters that many people can see an object clearly. Describe the general trend of the graph. At what age does the slope of the graph begin to change rapidly? What do you think might explain this change?

A graph comparing vision with age.dd

Connecting Concepts

Use Science Graphics

Use the illustration to answer questions 32 and 33.

The diagram of a synapse. The presence of a drug is indicates in the diagram.

  1. Interpret Visuals Do you think this illustration shows a drug interfering with enzymes that break down a neurotransmitter at a synapse, or a drug mimicking a neurotransmitter? Explain.

  2. Apply Concepts Draw an illustration of a synapse showing the effect of a drug that increases the rate of neurotransmitter secretion.

Write About Science

  1. Explanation Write a paragraph explaining how addiction to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco all have a similar basis in the way they alter the function of the human nervous system.

  2. Assess the Describe how the shape and structure of the neuron is related to its function in the nervous system.

Analyzing Data

The graph shows the relationship between neuron diameter and impulse conduction speed in myelinated axons in a mammal. Use the graph to answer questions 36 and 37.

  1. Interpret Graphs What conclusion can be made from the graph concerning the relationship between the speed of conduction of an action potential and the diameter of an axon?

  2. Calculate In the reflex arc that involves touching a hot object and pulling away your hand, the impulses must travel a total distance of about 1.5 m. How long does it take for the reflex to occur if the neurons are 5 µm in diameter?

A line graph indicating the relationship between conduction speed and neuron diameter.dd

End ofPage 918

Table of Contents

Miller & Levine Biology
About the Authors
Changing the World of Biology Education
Contents
Diversity of Life: A Visual Guide DOL•1–DOL•64
Labs and Activities
Features
UNIT 1 The Nature of Life
1 The Science of Biology
2 The Chemistry of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 2 Ecology
3 The Biosphere
4 Ecosystems and Communities
5 Populations
6 Humans in the Biosphere
Unit Project
UNIT 3 Cells
7 Cell Structure and Function
8 Photosynthesis
9 Cellular Respiration and Fermentation
10 Cell Growth and Division
Unit Project
UNIT 4 Genetics
11 Introduction to Genetics
12 DNA
13 RNA and Protein Synthesis
14 Human Heredity
15 Genetic Engineering
Unit Project
UNIT 5 Evolution
16 Darwin's Theory of Evolution
17 Evolution of Populations
18 Classification
19 History of Life
Unit Project
UNIT 6 From Microorganisms to Plants
20 Viruses and Prokaryotes
21 Protists and Fungi
22 Introduction to Plants
23 Plant Structure and Function
24 Plant Reproduction and Response
Unit Project
UNIT 7 Animals
25 Introduction to Animals
26 Animal Evolution and Diversity
27 Animal Systems I
28 Animal Systems II
29 Animal Behavior
Unit Project
UNIT 8 The Human Body
30 Digestive and Excretory Systems
31 Nervous System
32 Skeletal, Muscular, and Integumentary Systems
33 Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
34 Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
35 Immune System and Disease
Unit Project
A Visual Guide to The Diversity of Life
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
THE TREE OF LIFE
Bacteria
Protists
Fungi
Plants
Animals
Appendices
Appendix A Science Skills
Appendix B Lab Skills
Appendix C Technology & Design
Appendix D Math Skills
Appendix E Periodic Table
Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q, R
S
T
U
V
W
X, Y, Z
Index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Credits
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