Animal Nutrition, Digestion, and Homeostasis

These flashcards cover key concepts in animal nutrition, digestion, and homeostasis, providing definitions of important terms for effective study.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot produce their own food and must obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms.

Extracellular digestion

The process of breaking down food outside of cells, allowing for the digestion of larger food particles.

Gastrovascular cavity

A digestive cavity with a single opening, where digestion and absorption occur; found in cnidarians and some flatworms.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large quantities for energy and growth, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in small amounts, such as vitamins and minerals, often essential for various bodily functions.

Osmoregulation

The physiological process by which organisms regulate water and solute concentrations in their bodily fluids.

Protonephridia

A network of tubules in flatworms that controls water balance; consists of blind-ended nephridia with flame cells.

Metanephridia

Excretory tubules in annelids that connect to the coelom and are involved in the reabsorption of nutrients and waste excretion.

Malpighian tubules

Blind-ended excretory tubules found in arthropods that excrete nitrogenous waste and help maintain water balance.

Nephron

The basic functional unit of the vertebrate kidney, responsible for filtering blood and forming urine.