Adaptation and Regulation

Homeostasis in Humans

• An example of homeostasis in humans is the regulation of body temperature.
• The purpose of a sensor in homeostasis is to detect changes in the internal environment.
• The role of negative feedback in homeostasis is to counteract changes and return to a set point.

Homeostasis Mechanisms

• A set point in homeostasis is the optimal value of a physiological parameter, such as body temperature or blood pressure.
• A stimulus in homeostasis is a change in the internal environment that triggers a response.
• The role of a response in homeostasis is to counteract the stimulus and return to the set point.
• The main control mechanism in homeostasis is the negative feedback loop.

Homeostasis in Animals

• Homeostasis in animals relies largely on the nervous system and hormones.
• The purpose of homeostasis in organisms is to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

Regulator and Conformer Animals

• A regulator animal is one that actively maintains a constant internal environment despite changes in the external environment.
• A conformer animal is one that allows its internal environment to change with the external environment.
• Examples of regulator animals include mammals and birds.
• Examples of conformer animals include fish and reptiles.
• Regulator animals expend energy to maintain a constant internal environment, while conformer animals do not.

Regulation and Conformation in Animals

• A fish regulates its internal environment by controlling its body temperature, but conforms to the external environment by changing its body temperature to match the surrounding water.
• Fish conform to changes in the external environment, such as changes in water temperature.