Q27 — Saiga Antelope — Nose Adaptations for Cold, Dust, and Signalling

Theoretical 1 Real exam question — full text reproduced under IBO's CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license

Comparative Thermoregulation Mating Systems & Sexual Selection

Saiga (Saiga tatarica) live in the deserts, semi-deserts, and steppes of Central Asia and Mongolia, where the climate is harsh, with cold winters and hot summers. They form large, nomadic herds, crossing large areas during migration — including swimming across large rivers. They are fast-moving, reaching speeds up to 70 km/h (commonly 50–60 km/h), and can run tens of kilometers with their heads lowered, producing large dust clouds in summer.

Figure 1. Male saiga, showing the distinctive long snout-like nose. Figure 1. Male saiga.

Figure 2. Female saiga, showing the same snout-like nose. Figure 2. Female saiga.

Figure 3. Saigas swimming across a river during migration. Figure 3. Saigas swim across a river during migration.

Using the information and figures, determine whether the following statements are true or false:

A. The long snout-like nose of saigas is an adaptation to warm up the cold air in the nasal cavity during the winter.

B. The long snout-like nose of the saigas clears the inhaled air of dust, allowing them to run long distances during summer without suffocating from the dust.

C. While swimming in the rivers and while avoiding being noticed by predators, saigas immerse their whole body and head underwater, pulling out only their long snout-like nose to breathe.

D. The long snout-like nose of saigas is typical only for males and serves to attract females and occupy a high social position in the herd.

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Question reproduced from IBO 2022, Theoretical Paper 1, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)