what is homostasis mechanism ? can it be caused by environmental changes and constraints?
Read this and then post what you think.
http://www.bookrags.com/research/homeostatic-mechanisms-wap/
A homeostatic mechanism maintains a balance in terms of various biological processes. If the balance is upset, the mechanism works to restore it.
Although it is not caused by environmental changes, they can activate the homeostatic mechanism.
I hope this helps a little more.
Homeostasis is a mechanism that allows organisms to maintain a stable internal environment, despite external environmental changes and constraints. It involves a series of physiological processes and feedback loops that work together to regulate various parameters, such as body temperature, pH levels, blood sugar levels, and fluid balance, within narrow ranges.
To understand how homeostasis works, let's take an example of body temperature regulation. When the external environment gets colder, the body maintains its internal temperature by initiating certain responses. Firstly, the blood vessels near the skin surface constrict, reducing blood flow and heat loss through the skin. Secondly, muscles start shivering, generating heat by contracting rapidly. Additionally, the body may also increase metabolism or release hormones to help generate heat. On the other hand, when the external environment gets hotter, the body initiates responses to cool down, such as dilating blood vessels near the skin surface, sweating, and reducing metabolic activity.
Environmental changes and constraints can indeed influence homeostasis. Extreme heat or cold, high altitude, toxic substances, and other environmental factors can disrupt the body's equilibrium, leading to physiological imbalances. For example, exposure to excessive heat can cause dehydration, leading to decreased blood volume and impaired thermoregulation. Similarly, exposure to extreme cold can constrict blood vessels excessively, leading to decreased blood flow and potentially hypothermia. Moreover, certain constraints in the environment, such as limited availability of food or water, can challenge the body's ability to maintain homeostasis related to energy balance and fluid levels.
In conclusion, while homeostasis is a crucial mechanism that helps organisms maintain internal stability, environmental changes and constraints can significantly impact this delicate balance. The body responds to these changes by initiating various physiological processes to restore equilibrium and ensure the well-being of the organism.