[Campbell Biology P.1161] Which of the following statements correctly describes the function ... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements correctly describes the function of statocysts in invertebrates or the findings from the experiment described in the text?

  • A: Statocysts contain fluid that detects sound vibrations.
  • B: The statoliths in a statocyst stimulate mechanoreceptors by bending cilia in response to sound waves.
  • C: Replacing statoliths with metal shavings in crayfish allowed researchers to manipulate their body orientation using magnets, confirming statoliths' role in gravity sensing.
  • D: Statocysts are unique to insects and are primarily involved in detecting changes in air pressure.

Explanation

The passage states that statocysts are found in many invertebrates and contain statoliths that resettle in response to changes in body position relative to gravity. The experiment described involved replacing statoliths with metal shavings in crayfish, allowing researchers to use magnets to manipulate the crayfish's orientation, thereby confirming the role of statoliths in gravity sensing.