[Campbell Biology P.937] Which statement accurately describes the role of the hypothalamus i... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately describes the role of the hypothalamus in thermoregulation and the nature of fever, according to the provided text?
A: The hypothalamus acts as a thermostat, always promoting heat loss when body temperature rises and heat gain when it falls, and fever reduces the normal range for this thermostat.
B: The hypothalamus is the primary site for temperature sensing and control, and fever reflects an elevation of the normal biological thermostat setting, which can be seen in both endotherms and ectotherms.
C: The hypothalamus solely controls circadian rhythms, and fever is an uncontrolled rise in body temperature that is always detrimental to an animal.
D: While the hypothalamus regulates body temperature, only endotherms can develop a true fever, as ectotherms only exhibit behavioral fever.
Explanation
The text states the hypothalamus is where thermoregulation sensors are concentrated and functions as a thermostat. It also clearly says that fever 'reflects an increase in the normal range for the biological thermostat' and that 'fever is common to both endotherms and ectotherms,' with examples of behavioral fever in ectotherms.