Sunday, July 10, 2011

Reflection for biology learning journal

The most surprising information i came across was that the jellyfish has a primitive digestion system that have a gut with just one opening that serves as both mouth and anus.

During my research for information, i had trouble finding up to date information as most of the information on Google were outdated.In the end, i spent alot of time finding accurate information before compiling it together to form a blog.

Another interesting information i found out on the net was that Clams also represent a group of animals called filter feeders. These animals siphon water and filter out food particles using their two valves. One valve opens to siphon the food from the water, and then the other valve opens to release the filtered water. This happens continually throughout the organism’s life.


Something that affected my personal opinions on eating were that Although you might find yourself snacking and grazing constantly throughout a day, you really are a discontinuous feeder (or should be). This means that you can consume food rapidly, but digest it gradually and then (in theory) not have to eat again for several hours.
This has made me not to eat so much.

Biology Learning Journey

How Digestive Systems Work in Plants and Animals:

Once an organism — a plant or animal — absorbs food, the organism’s digestive system immediately starts breaking down the food to release the nutrients.
The smallest digestive system can be found in organisms made up of several cells. However, the system, in which specialized cells surround a digestive cavity, gets the job done. The cells acquire nutrients that the other cells in the organism can use for processes that keep the organism alive (Growth, Repairs and health).
As organisms increase in complexity, they expend more energy and require more nutrients. In keeping with their more complex metabolism, their digestive systems are more complex. The process of getting nutrients into the organism happens at the cellular level; that is, the cells lining the digestive tract take in the nutrients and pass them on to the rest of the body.

Continuous versus discontinuous feeders

Animals that must “eat” constantly because food is taken in and then pushed out soon afterward are called continuous feeders. Most of these animals either are permanently attached to something (such as clams or mussels) or are very slow moving.
Clams also represent a group of animals called filter feeders. These animals siphon water and filter out food particles using their two valves. One valve opens to siphon the food from the water, and then the other valve opens to release the filtered water. This happens continually throughout the organism’s life.
Animals that are discontinuous feeders consume larger meals and store the ingested food for later digestion. These animals generally are more active and somewhat nomadic.
Although you might find yourself snacking and grazing constantly throughout a day, you really are a discontinuous feeder (or should be). This means that you can consume food rapidly, but digest it gradually and then (in theory) not have to eat again for several hours.