Select the correct statement describing feedback control in animals.
Select the correct statement describing feedback control in animals.
a) All ectotherms are conformers with respect to temperature.
b) An animal may be a regulator for one environmental variable but a conformer for another.
c) Positive feedback loops contribute to homeostasis.
an animal may be a regulator for one environmental variable
b) An animal may be a regulator for one environmental variable but a conformer for another.
To determine the correct statement describing feedback control in animals, we need to analyze each option and evaluate its accuracy.
a) All ectotherms are conformers with respect to temperature.
To verify the accuracy of this statement, we need to understand the terms "ectotherms" and "conformers." Ectotherms are organisms that rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature, such as reptiles and amphibians. Conformers, on the other hand, maintain their internal conditions in line with the their environment.
Since ectotherms do not have the ability to regulate their body temperature internally, they are considered conformers with respect to temperature. Therefore, option a) is correct.
b) An animal may be a regulator for one environmental variable but a conformer for another.
This statement is also correct. Animals can regulate certain environmental variables while conforming to others. For example, mammals are regulators of body temperature but conformers to external environmental factors like light intensity or humidity. Therefore, option b) is correct.
c) Positive feedback loops contribute to homeostasis.
This statement is incorrect. Positive feedback loops are mechanisms in which the output or response amplifies or increases the initial disturbance, driving it further from the initial state. In contrast, negative feedback loops are the primary contributors to homeostasis. Negative feedback loops work to counteract any deviations from the desired set point, bringing the system back to its baseline state. Therefore, option c) is incorrect.
In summary, the correct statement describing feedback control in animals is:
b) An animal may be a regulator for one environmental variable but a conformer for another.