[Campbell Biology P.930] Homeostasis requires a control system to maintain internal balance.... | Practice Question

Homeostasis requires a control system to maintain internal balance. Which of the following scenarios, as discussed or implied in the text, best exemplifies a crucial component or process of such a homeostatic control system?

  • A: The relatively stable salinity of the ocean, which allows spider crabs to conform their internal solute concentration.
  • B: A thermostat in a room monitoring temperature and signaling a heating/cooling system to maintain a set point of 20°C.
  • C: A human's blood pH remaining within 0.1 pH unit of 7.4.
  • D: The ability of a river otter to maintain a steady body temperature across varying water temperatures.

Explanation

The text uses the room temperature regulation as a nonliving example to illustrate how a homeostatic control system works. The thermostat acts as the sensor and control center, detecting the temperature and initiating responses heating/cooling to maintain the set point. This directly exemplifies a crucial component and process of a control system.