Explain why B, negative feedback mechanisms, is the correct answer. Be sure to explain how a negative feedback loop maintains homeostasis.

Question

Organisms have different methods of maintaining their internal body temperature.

In Humans the hypothalamus, which monitors the body temperature, is capable of determining even the slightest variation of normal body temperature Response to such variation could be stimulation of glands that produce sweat to reduce the temperature or signaling various muscles to shiver to increase body temperature.

What phrase best describes this type homeostasis regulation?

A) Radiant energy control mechanisms

B) Negative feedback mechanisms - CORRECT

C) Homeostatic imbalance mechanisms

D) Positive feedback mechanisms

Answer 1

Homeostasis is the ability for living organisms to maintain stable conditions inside of their bodies. This stability could be with respect to ideal body temperature, proper blood glucose levels, blood pH, etc. One way living organisms can achieve homeostasis is through detecting changing conditions and then responding in a way to reverse the effects of the changing condition in order to move back to "ideal" conditions. For example, the ideal pH of blood is approximately 7.4. If blood pH falls lower than 7.4, buffers in the blood that absorb H+ ions to help raise the pH back to 7.4. If blood pH rises above 7.4, buffers in the blood release H+ ions to lower the pH back to 7.4.

In the question, a system is described in which there is an ideal condition (temperature) and any deviations away from the temperature are detected by the body and the body works to reverse the deviation. The normal human body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When our body temperature becomes too warm, we sweat to cool back to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When our body temperature becomes too cold, we shiver to warm back up to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.