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Difficulty: EasySupport Structures and Locomotion

Match each biological support structure or tissue listed on the left with its correct structural or functional characteristic on the right.

  • SclerenchymaDead plant tissue with thick, heavily lignified cell walls providing mechanical rigidity
  • Hydrostatic skeletonFluid-filled cavity under pressure that aids locomotion in soft-bodied invertebrates
  • Synovial jointFreely movable bone articulation encased within a lubricated fluid-filled capsule
  • CartilageFlexible connective tissue capping joint surfaces to absorb shock and reduce friction

Answer

Sclerenchyma matches with dead plant tissue with thick lignified walls; Hydrostatic skeleton matches with fluid-filled cavity under pressure; Synovial joint matches with freely movable articulation encased in a fluid-filled capsule; Cartilage matches with flexible connective tissue capping joint surfaces.
Each support structure is correctly linked to its physiological structure and functional adaptation: sclerenchyma provides rigid mechanical support to mature plant structures via dead lignified cells, hydrostatic skeletons provide structural support to soft invertebrates through pressurized fluid, synovial joints permit smooth friction-free bone movement via a fluid capsule, and cartilage protects bone surfaces from mechanical wear.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the characteristic of plant supporting tissues.
Sclerenchyma is identified as dead tissue composed of heavily lignified cells that provide rigid support.
Unlike collenchyma which is living, mature sclerenchyma cells lose their living contents and possess thick lignin deposits.
2
Determine the support system mechanism in soft-bodied invertebrates.
Hydrostatic skeleton corresponds to a pressurized fluid-filled body compartment.
Watery fluid inside the coelom acts under muscular compression to maintain body shape and enable peristaltic locomotion.
3
Distinguish between mammalian joint structures and supporting connective tissues.
Synovial joint matches the freely movable fluid-filled articulation, while cartilage matches the protective friction-reducing tissue layer.
Synovial joints provide a wide range of motion cushioned by synovial fluid, whereas cartilage forms the smooth articular surface covering bone extremities.

Key Concept

Classification and functional roles of plant and animal support structures
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Topics

Support Structures and Locomotion

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