Metabolism and survival: Key Area 4 - Metabolism in conformers and regulators Flashcards
What are examples of Abiotic factors?
temperature, pH, wind speed, salt concentration, light intensity.
How do regulators cope when there is fluctuations in an organisms environment?
Regulators are able to alter their metabolic rate and maintain a steady state by altering their physiological mechanisms.
How do conformers cope when there is fluctuations in an organisms environment?
conformers are unable to alter their normal metabolic rate by altering physiological mechanisms.
What is a conformers internal environment directly dependant on?
upon the abiotic factors in their external environment.
Why is conformers internal environment not normally a problem?
as their external environment remains relatively stable (eg bottom of ocean floor)
What’s an advantage of conformers?
The animals metabolic costs are low since it does not empty energy consuming physiological mechanisms to maintain its inner body state.
What’s a disadvantage of conformers?
Animal is restricted to a narrow range of ecological niches.
It’s also less adaptable to en
What does conformers behavioural responses to their environmental therefore mean?
That allows them to maintain optimum metabolic rate. Eg maintain body temperature by sunning themselves on rocks or hiding In the shade.
What are conformers behaviours that are exhibited?
vaporisation (getting wet)
convection (losing or gaining heat to an air flow)
conduction ( lying next to some older or warmer surface or material)
radiation (finding shade or lying on hot rocks)
What is the state of a regulators internal environment?
the state of a regulators internal environment is NOT dependant on the external environment. Regulators employ physiological means to control their internal environment to maintain homeostasis (balance)
What is an advantage of being a regulator?
Animal is able to exploit a wider range of ecological niches.
what is a disadvantage of being a regulator?
animal has to expand energy generated by its metabolism.
What is homeostasis?
Its how the body keeps conditions inside it the same. Scientists describe it as the maintenance of a constant internal environment.
How is the regulation of homeostasis brought about?
by negative feedback control and requires energy.
What are receptors?
they are special cells that are constantly monitor the internal environment and detect changes.
