Question

Samantha and Gregg are learning about the senses and found the following information on the Internet.



Source 1

Inside the inner ear there are structures called otolith organs that detect motions of the head. The otolith organs provide information about changes in head position. The organs have a patch of cells called the macula. The macula is made of several different types of cells, including hair cells that are held in place by supporting cells. The hair cells contain sections that float in a surrounding gel-like fluid called the otolithic membrane. Small crystals (otoconia) lie on top of the membrane. When a person moves her head, the otoconia move, sending sensory information to the brain. The drawing shown below models this action.



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Source 2

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Which pair BEST identifies a cause and its effect related to the relationship described in Source 1?


Cause: hair cells move
Effect: sound waves move toward person

Cause: person leans head toward ground
Effect: hair cells move

Cause: sound waves move toward person
Effect: hair cells move

Cause: hair cells move
Effect: person leans head toward ground

Answer 1

Correct answer:
Cause: person leans head toward ground
Effect: hair cells move

Explanation: Source 1 describes that when the head moves (for example leans toward the ground) the otoconia and otolithic membrane move and bend the hair cells, producing the sensory signal. The options mentioning sound waves are unrelated to the otolith organ function.