Chapter 30, Problem 1RQ

Define homeostasis. What evolutionary advantages for a species might result from successful maintenance of internal homeostasis?

Summary Introduction

To define: Homeostasis.

Introduction: Any activities of an individual lead the individual’s body away from the set point. For instance, when an individual exercise hardly then the individual’s muscle raises the production of heat, which ultimately results in increased body temperature. Hence, to maintain the body’s temperature, the homeostatic mechanism takes place.

Explanation of Solution

Homeostasis is defined as the tendency of the body to maintain its internal temperature. Due to the homeostasis mechanism, the cells and the bodily organs are adjusted constantly by the internal and external changes in temperature.

Summary Introduction

To determine: The evolutionary advantages for a species that might result from the successful maintenance of internal homeostasis.

Explanation of Solution

In animals, cellular homeostasis is maintained by the coordinated activities of all systems of the body (excluding the reproductive systems). The various homeostatic actions are coordinated by the nervous, circulatory, and endocrine systems and by the bodily organs. Hence, systems within an organism function in a combined way in order to maintain a constant internal environment. If any deviations in the set point of temperature, pH, metabolic fuels, osmotic pressure, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels; then, it activates the physiological mechanisms. This brings back the variable to its set point by a mechanism called the negative feedback mechanisms. Therefore, the evolutionary adaptations of a species bring the advantage that a negative feedback mechanism adjusts any deviations in the internal environment of an animal.