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Identify TWO responses of a named endotherm to a decrease in body temperature - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 21
Identify TWO responses of a named endotherm to a decrease in body temperature. Outline the role of the nervous system of an endotherm in maintaining homeostasis wh... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Identify TWO responses of a named endotherm to a decrease in body temperature - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify TWO responses of a named endotherm to a decrease in body temperature.
Answer
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Shivering: In response to a decrease in body temperature, endotherms, such as humans, exhibit shivering. This involuntary muscle activity generates heat through increased metabolic activity, helping to raise the body temperature.
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Vasoconstriction: Another response is vasoconstriction, where blood vessels near the skin surface narrow, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This helps to retain heat within the body core, minimizing heat loss to the environment.
Step 2
Outline the role of the nervous system of an endotherm in maintaining homeostasis when its body temperature changes.
Answer
The nervous system plays a crucial role in detecting changes in body temperature through specialized temperature receptors located in the skin and brain. When a decrease in body temperature is detected, signals are sent via peripheral nerves to the central nervous system (CNS) to initiate appropriate responses. This includes sending nerve signals to effectors, such as muscles or glands, to carry out responses like shivering or altering blood flow to help maintain thermal homeostasis.