Thermoregulation is the process by which an organism maintains its internal body temperature within a certain range, despite changes in the external environment. This is a crucial function for all living organisms, as maintaining a stable internal temperature is essential for the proper functioning of bodily processes.
Disruptions to thermoregulation can have serious consequences. For example, heat stroke can occur when the body is unable to cool itself, leading to a dangerously high internal temperature. Conversely, hypothermia results from the body losing heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low internal temperature.
Study Guide
As you study thermoregulation, consider the following key questions:
What are the main mechanisms through which the body regulates its temperature?
How does the hypothalamus contribute to thermoregulation?
What are the potential consequences of disruptions to thermoregulation?
Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.
Earth’s Systems
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Develop a model using an example to describe ways the geosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and/or atmosphere interact.