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While walking in the bush Paul hears a sound which he thinks is the roar of a lion - NSC Life Sciences - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 4
While walking in the bush Paul hears a sound which he thinks is the roar of a lion. He immediately runs to safety. Describe how he hears the sound and describe the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:While walking in the bush Paul hears a sound which he thinks is the roar of a lion - NSC Life Sciences - Question 4 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how he hears the sound
Answer
To hear the sound, Paul’s ears first capture the sound waves through the pinna, which directs these waves into the ear canal. This results in the tympanic membrane vibrating. The vibration is then transmitted to the auditory ossicles, which amplify the sound.
The ossicles transmit the vibrations to the oval window, causing it to vibrate. This vibration creates waves in the fluid of the cochlea, stimulating the Organ of Corti. The movement generates an impulse that travels along the auditory nerve to the cerebrum, where it is interpreted as the roar of a lion.
Step 2
Describe the role of adrenalin to ensure that his muscles are able to function efficiently while he runs away
Answer
In response to the perceived threat, more adrenalin is secreted into Paul’s bloodstream. Adrenalin increases muscle tone and triggers the liver to convert glycogen into glucose, providing a quick energy source.
As a result, his heart rate increases, ensuring that the muscles receive more glucose and oxygen needed for cellular respiration, which delivers the energy required for efficient muscle function. Additionally, the rate of breathing increases to supply more oxygen while exhaling carbon dioxide from the muscles faster, enhancing performance. The constriction of blood vessels to non-essential areas and dilation to vital organs and muscles allows more blood to be directed where it is needed most during the flight response.