In organisms, the maintenance of a constant internal environment is
(A) necessary because organisms must have a constant body temperature - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 3 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 3
In organisms, the maintenance of a constant internal environment is
(A) necessary because organisms must have a constant body temperature.
(B) necessary because en... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In organisms, the maintenance of a constant internal environment is
(A) necessary because organisms must have a constant body temperature - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 3 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
A) necessary because organisms must have a constant body temperature.
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Answer
This statement, while true for some organisms (such as mammals), is not universally applicable. Many organisms can tolerate a range of temperatures without a constant internal environment.
Step 2
B) necessary because enzyme activity is highest at specific temperatures.
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This statement is accurate. Enzymes, which are crucial for metabolic processes, function optimally within specific temperature ranges. Thus, maintaining a constant internal environment is essential for enzyme activity, making this option the correct answer.
Step 3
C) unnecessary because organisms are found in environments with a broad range of temperatures.
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This statement is misleading. While some organisms exist in varying temperatures, maintaining a stable internal environment is still critical for their survival and proper functioning.
Step 4
D) unnecessary because the nervous system detects and responds to changes in ambient temperature.
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This option implies a reactive approach to temperature regulation, which does not adequately explain the importance of maintaining a constant internal environment. While the nervous system plays a role in homeostasis, it is not the sole mechanism ensuring stability.