Which example below describes a system that is NOT able to maintain homeostasis?

• A. A person who is running breathes more rapidly in response to changing in O₂ and CO₂ levels.
• B. A person with diabetes will experience large spikes and crashes of blood glucose without proper monitoring. 
• C. A person moving from the cold to inside a warm house, but their body temperature does not change.
• D. When fluid levels in the body are high, the kidneys will remove more water from the blood.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of homeostasis: Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. It involves various physiological processes that regulate factors like temperature, pH, and glucose levels.
2. Identify examples of homeostasis: In the given options, identify which examples demonstrate the body's ability to maintain homeostasis. For instance, breathing more rapidly in response to changing O2 and CO2 levels is a homeostatic response to maintain proper gas exchange.
3. Analyze the example of diabetes: A person with diabetes experiencing large spikes and crashes of blood glucose indicates a failure in maintaining homeostasis. Normally, the body regulates blood glucose levels through insulin and glucagon, but in diabetes, this regulation is impaired.
4. Evaluate body temperature regulation: A person moving from a cold environment to a warm house should experience a change in body temperature as the body adjusts to the new external temperature. If the body temperature does not change, it suggests a failure in thermoregulation, which is a key aspect of homeostasis.
5. Consider fluid balance: When fluid levels are high, the kidneys removing more water from the blood is an example of homeostasis. The kidneys help regulate fluid balance by adjusting the amount of water excreted based on the body's needs.