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9.5 Option –Communication: 2. Visual Communication

Syllabus reference (October 2002 version)
2.Visual communicationinvolves the eye registering changes in the immediate environment	Students learn to: describe the anatomy and function of the human eye, including the: conjunctiva cornea sclera choroid retina iris lens aqueous and vitreous humor ciliary body optic nerve identify the limited range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum detected by humans and compare this range with those of other vertebrates and invertebrates	Students: plan, choose equipment or resources and perform a first-hand investigation of a mammalian eye to gather first-hand data to relate structures to functions   use available evidence to suggest reasons for the differences in range of electromagnetic radiation detected by humans and other animals

Extract from Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (Amended October 2002) © Board of Studies, NSW
[Edit: 9 June 09]

Background: Many animals are sensitive to light, but it is only in the more complex animals that light serves as a medium for the transmission of information about the external environment. The anatomy and function of the eye is similar in all vertebrates.

plan, choose equipment or resources and perform a first-hand investigation of a mammalian eye to gather first-hand data to relate structures to functions

• You are required to perform a dissection of a mammalian eye, from an animal such as a sheep or bullock. Various biology practical manuals describe how to perform this procedure, or you can access the web site Exploratorium , Exploratorium, Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception, San Francisco, California, USA, for some directions. Use these to plan and predict possible issues that may arise during the course of the investigation and decide how you will best gather your first-hand data.

• Perform your first-hand investigation by carrying out the planned procedure so that you minimise hazards and dispose carefully and safely of any waste materials. Identify and use safe work practices during this investigation.

• Draw a diagram to show the various structures you observe.

• Prepare notes to explain how the structures of the eye suit their function.

• Prepare notes to explain how you minimised hazards, disposed safely of any waste materials and used safe work practices during this investigation.

describe the anatomy and function of the human eye, including the:

• conjunctiva
• cornea
• sclera
• choroid
• retina
• iris
• lens
• aqueous and vitreous humor
• ciliary body
• optic nerve

Structure of the eye National Centre of Research Resources, Washington, USA.

• The functions of the parts of the eye are described in the table below.

use available evidence to suggest reasons for the differences in range of electromagnetic radiation detected by humans and other animals

Here is an example of available evidence.

Color and Acuity Differences between Dogs and Humans Dr P's Dog Training .

• Focus on comparing the electromagnetic radiation detected by humans, some insects and some other animals. Make sure that you analyse the evidence to suggest reasons for the differences between these animals.

• A table like the one below is an effective tool to assist you to gather and present information. Well-designed tables assist you to identify useful information. Compare the range of electromagnetic radiation detected to aspects of the organisms life such as its diet, how it obtains it food, where it lives. For example, an animal that hunts in the dark such as a pit viper would have a better chance of catching prey if it could detect the heat coming off a small mammal. Animals (like the deep-sea angler) that live in the depth of the sea have no available light and use bioluminescence to attract prey.

identify the limited range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum detected by humans and compare this range with those of other vertebrates and invertebrates

• The electromagnetic spectrum consists of waves of varying wavelengths. These waves include visible light, infra-red radiation and ultraviolet radiation. Blue-green light (500 nm) is the most effective wavelengths for humans. Either side of this wavelength in the red and ultraviolet areas are less effective in humans but are used by other organisms.

• A table like the one below is an effective tool to assist you to organise information.