For discussing the functions of different structures of all organisms.
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Which statement beest describes an activiry that will contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis in an organism? (1) A desert rattlesnake enters an underground burrow on a hot summer day (2) Roots of a willow tree grow away from a moisture-rich region of the soil. (3) A polor bear sheds must of its fur during the coldest months of the winter. The answer is (1), but how about (3)? i feel it may be okay, too.
THanks for reply.
Homeostasis is just what happens when something moves toward a more stable state of equilibrium, or a tendency toward such a state between the different interdependent elements of a group, population, or organism.
All of those answers could be a correct explaination of homeostasis. If the snake needs to cool its body temperature, if the tree is getting to much water, and not enough minerals, or if the polar bears fur is keeping it to warm.
the definition just depends on the organism as a whole. -what is really going on- IS the snake to hot? IS the tree "drowning" or IS the polar bear to hot?
my answer: Stupid question, tell your teacher to rephrase it =)
That'll do donkey, That'll do.
It is a stupid question hahahah
But I think i would go with 3, it just seems more of a physiological explanation ? whereas the rattlesnakes behaviour is more of a behavioural adaptation, and when we think of metabolism in trees we think of things like photosynthesis perhaps ? i dont knw much about plant themselves but does the moisture rich soil provide a hostile environment so that the plant cannot metabolise properly?.
I would go with three. If the polar bear heats up his/her proteins may denature or not function as properly, therefore its body responds to this seasonal variation by shedding. Actually now that i think about it and read over it yet again.... correct me if im wrong but shouldnt a snake be OUT in the sun? so its preventing its homeostatic optimum by going into a burrow, i mean dont we all know that reptiles baske? and similarly wouldnt a tree want the moisture rich soil because it NEEDS water? maybe thats the trick to this question ? which one of the activities is HELPING the organism. the other two seem detrimental to it.
I think your teacher is trying to trick you with 3.
(3) A polor bear sheds must of its fur during the coldest months of the winter.
If it said the warmest months of the summer, then I would agree that both answers are correct. But because a polar bear would be less likely to overheat in the winter than in the summer, its also pretty unlikely that it would shed its fur in the winter. Teachers like to be tricky with the details.
7 posts • Page 1 of 1
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