The Bizarre Beast with Clear Blood

The video explores the evolution and adaptation of vertebrates, focusing on the unique characteristics of the crocodile ice fish. Unlike most vertebrates with red hemoglobin-rich blood, ice fish have clear blood due to the absence of hemoglobin. This adaptation is possible because of the oxygen-rich cold waters of the Southern Ocean. The video discusses how random genetic mutations, like the loss of hemoglobin in ice fish, can be neutral or even beneficial depending on environmental conditions. The isolation of the Southern Ocean and the lack of competition allowed ice fish to thrive despite their unusual blood. The video also draws parallels with human evolution, highlighting the role of environment in shaping species.

What protein is responsible for the red color of vertebrate blood?

• Chlorophyll

• Hemoglobin

• Biliverdin

• Myoglobin

Which family of fish is known for having colorless blood?

• Crocodile ice fish

• Cichlids

• Anglerfish

• Pufferfish

What is a notable feature of the Antarctic ice fish's habitat?

• Warm tropical waters

• Deep ocean trenches

• Cold, oxygen-rich waters

• Freshwater lakes

How do ice fish compensate for their lack of hemoglobin?

• By living in warmer waters

• By having larger hearts and blood volume

• By having scales

• By having thicker blood

What is the role of antifreeze proteins in ice fish?

• To provide energy

• To increase metabolic rate

• To enhance oxygen transport

• To prevent blood from freezing

What environmental change helped ice fish survive despite losing hemoglobin?

• Warmer ocean temperatures

• Decreased oxygen levels

• Isolation by the Antarctic Circumpolar Current

• Increased competition

What evolutionary concept is illustrated by the survival of ice fish without hemoglobin?

• Natural selection favors only advantageous traits

• Mutations are always harmful

• All mutations lead to extinction

• Environmental context can make a mutation neutral