Unit 2 - KA 4: Conformers/Regulators

Question 1

What 3 external abiotic factors affect an organism’s metabolic rate?

Answer 1

Salinity
Temperature
pH

Question 2

Describe a conformer

Answer 2

A conformer’s metabolism is dependent on the external environment.

Question 3

What is a behavioural response?

Answer 3

Behavioural responses allow conformers to tolerate variation in their external environment in order to maintain an optimal metabolic rate.

Question 4

Give an advantage and disadvantage of conformers.

Answer 4

Advantage- They have a low mmetabolic cost

Disadvantage- they have a narrow range of ecological niches.

Question 5

Describe a regulator.

Answer 5

A regulator’s metabolism remains constant despite external change. regulators use their metabolism to control their internal environment.

Question 6

Give an Advantage and a disadvantage of regulators.

Answer 6

Advantage- Large range of ecological niches

Disadvantage- Increased metabolic cost, as energy must be used to maintain steady state.

Question 7

Define Homeostasis

Answer 7

The maintenance of an animals internal environment at a steady level, despite changes in its external environment.

Question 8

What process allows thermoregulation in animals?

Answer 8

Negative feedback control

Question 9

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 9

It is the body temperature monitoring centre.

It sends nerve impulses to effectors in order to regulate body temperature.

Question 10

What are the body’s responses to an increasd temperature?

Answer 10

Sweating- Heat used to evaporate sweat
Vasodilation- increased blood flow to the skin increases heat loss.
Relaxation of hair erector muscles- Hairs are lowered, insulating layer of air no longer trapped
Decrease in metabolic rate- decrease in heat production

Question 11

What are the body’s responses to a decreased temperature?

Answer 11

Sivering- Muscle contraction generates heat
Vasoconstriction- Less blood flow to skin reduces heat loss
Contraction of hair erector muscles- Body hairs rise, insulating layer of air i trapped, reducing heat loss.
Increase in metabolic rate- increase in heat production.

Question 12

What is the importance of thermoregulation?

Answer 12

Ensuring the optimum temperature for enzymes

Ensuring high diffusion rates to maintain metabolism.