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← Theoretical A

Q43 — Saiga Nasal Anatomy and Wolf Predation

Theoretical A Real exam question — full text reproduced under IBO's CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license
Mammalian Comparative Anatomy Foraging & Anti-Predator Behavior

Saigas (Saiga tatarica) are herding antelopes that have an enlarged nasal cavity. Figure 1 below shows computed tomographic (CT) sections of their head.

The main natural enemy of saigas is the wolf. However, in open areas, saigas are not afraid of wolves because of the difference in their running speeds: saigas — 75-80 km/h, wolves — 40-45 km/h. At the same time, the weight load per 1 cm² for the saiga is 500 grams, while it is 160 grams for the wolf.

Successive CT transverse sections (A-I) through a saiga head showing the internal structures of its enlarged nasal cavity, with a lateral skull view (J) marking the level of each section. Figure 1. Internal structures of the saiga head in successive CT transverse sections. J - lateral view of the skull to show the levels of the sections shown in A–I.

On your answer sheet, indicate “T” for true statements and “F” for false ones.

A. The bones at sections A-I correspond only to the darkest areas.
B. Linear flow rate of air in the nostrils ("n" in figure A) is lower than the linear flow rate of air in the nasal cavity (vn) in section C.
C. The main function of the structure "wy" in figures (D) and (E) is to remove dust particles from the air.
D. Wolves hunt saigas more successfully in summer than in the snowy winter.
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Question reproduced from IBO 2024, Theoretical Exam Part A, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)