Question

question 16 (5.555555556 points)
what is the primary advantage of a closed circulatory system compared to an open circulatory system?
it enables more precise temperature regulation throughout the organism
it provides better protection against pathogens and toxins in the bloodstream
it allows for more efficient transport and higher blood pressure
it requires significantly less metabolic energy to maintain circulation

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Temperature regulation is more related to mechanisms like sweating or shivering, not the type of circulatory system (open/closed). So this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Protection against pathogens is done by the immune system (e.g., white blood cells), not directly by the circulatory system's "open/closed" nature. Incorrect.
• Option 3: In a closed circulatory system (e.g., in humans), blood is confined to vessels. This allows for more efficient transport of nutrients, oxygen, etc., and higher blood pressure (since the heart can pump more forcefully in a closed system). Open systems (e.g., in insects) have blood (hemolymph) flowing freely in body cavities, leading to lower pressure and less efficient transport. This option is correct.
• Option 4: A closed system actually requires more energy because the heart has to pump against vessel resistance. Open systems have less energy demand. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. It allows for more efficient transport and higher blood pressure