Maintaining A Balance Discussion (1 Viewer)

[ari89]

Even though not many biologists post on this forum I have the idea to start a general discussion for the chapter Maintaining A Balance where we simply discuss stuff. Because I find reading how other people describe something as a useful technique for me to develop my understaning of it and therefore communicate it in an exam.
This will be particularly useful for developing answers that require named examples.

Eg

For one named Australian example, describe an adaptation or response that assists in temperature regulation. (2 markers)

or a direct dot pint to be discussed:

explain why the maintenance of a constant internal environment is important for optimal metabolic efficiency

 

[ari89]

For one named Australian example, describe an adaptation or response that assists in temperature regulation. (2 markers)

Example Answer:

An Australian animal that has adapted to assist in temperature regulation is the Australian Fur Seal. The Fur Seal has the structural adaptation of a a thick layer of blubber. That thick layer insulates the body resulting in conservation of heat produced by the inefficient metabolic processes of endotherms.

 

[ari89]

explain why the maintenance of a constant internal environment is important for optimal metabolic efficiency

Example Answer to dot point:

The maintenance of a constant internal environment is important for optimal metabolic efficiency because enzymes control metabolic processes and activity in the body. For optimal metabolic activity the enzymes controlling the activity must be running at optimal performance. This requires the enzymes to be provided with a constant internal environment (homeostasis) so that the enzymes are in an environment of optimal temperature, ph and substrate concentration.

 

[Dr_Doom]

For one named Australian example, describe an adaptation or response that assists in temperature regulation. (2 marks)

This could also be the red-bellied black snake. This is an ectotherm. In the warm part of the day, it flattens it's body to increase surface area and absorb more heat. In the hot part of the day, it rounds it's body and finds shade.

Also with red kangaroo. This is an endotherm. In the hot part of the day, vasoristriction occurs in the kangaroos arms, and the kangaroo assists this by licking in between it's paws and releasing heat. Also the red fur reflects the heat, and hides it's tail under it's body to decrease surface area. Or it could just find shade. If the kangaroo is cold, it's got a thick layer of fat and fur which insulates body heat and keeps the kangaroo warm.

I used those in my exam

 

[ari89]

yay...more exampls lol