Which of the following animals uses the largest percentage of its energy budget for homeostatic regulation? a. marine jelly (an invertebrate) b. snake in a temperate forest c. desert insect d. desert bird

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking which animal uses the largest percentage of its energy budget for homeostatic regulation. Homeostasis is the process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions.
2. Step 2: Consider the environments in which these animals live. A marine jelly lives in the ocean, a snake in a temperate forest lives in a moderate climate, a desert insect lives in a hot and dry environment, and a desert bird also lives in a hot and dry environment.
3. Step 3: Think about the energy requirements for homeostasis in these different environments. Animals in extreme environments, like deserts, typically need to expend more energy to maintain homeostasis because of the harsh conditions.
4. Step 4: Consider the specific animals in question. Birds, being warm-blooded, have to regulate their body temperature, which requires energy. Insects, on the other hand, are cold-blooded and do not need to expend energy to regulate their body temperature.
5. Step 5: Based on these considerations, the desert bird (option d) likely uses the largest percentage of its energy budget for homeostatic regulation.

Key Concepts

Homeostasis

Homeostasis refers to the physiological processes that organisms use to maintain stable internal conditions despite external environmental changes. This includes regulating temperature, pH, and ion concentrations, which are vital for survival. Different animals have varying mechanisms and energy expenditures for maintaining homeostasis, influenced by their habitats and lifestyles.

Energy Budget

An energy budget is a concept that describes how an organism allocates its energy resources for various biological functions, including growth, reproduction, and maintenance. The percentage of energy used for homeostasis can vary significantly among species, depending on their ecological niches and environmental challenges. Understanding an animal's energy budget helps in assessing its adaptability and survival strategies.

Adaptation to Environment

Adaptation to environment involves the evolutionary adjustments that organisms make to thrive in their specific habitats. For instance, animals in extreme environments, like deserts, often exhibit specialized traits to conserve water and regulate temperature, which can lead to higher energy costs for homeostasis. Recognizing these adaptations is crucial for understanding how different species manage their energy budgets.