Chapter 32, Problem 1AC

Why does life on land present particular difficulties in maintaining temperature homeostasis compared to life in water?

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Why life on land present particular difficulties in maintaining temperature homeostasis compared to life in water.

Introduction:

Homeostasis is the property of an organism, to resist any change in “internal”  as well as “external environment” to maintain the state of equilibrium. Homeostasis is important as all kind of life forms can work efficiently under a “particular set of conditions” known as “optimum conditions”. The parameters for optimum conditions include temperature, $\text{pH}$ salt concentration, fluid concentration and many more. Any deviation from the optimum conditions results in decrease in efficiency of working and production.

Explanation of Solution

Temperature on land varies from $\text{55°C}$ in deserts to $\text{-80}°\text{C}$ at poles. Due to such large temperature variance the acclimatization becomes very difficult. The average temperature of water which can support life form is $\text{17°C}$ in the sea and oceans. Sometimes the surface temperature can drop down to $\text{-1}\text{.9°C}$ at poles but the temperature of water below the surface is $\text{4°C}$ which is favorable for the survival of the life form. Due to these large variations on land the temperature homeostasis is difficult to maintain compared to water.

Conclusion

Homeostasis is the ability of an organism to maintain proper body temperature with reference to surroundings. Different variables are taken as parameters for deciding homeostasis of an organism. These variables include temperature, fluid, and salt concentration