Homeostasis, Osmoregulation, and Reproduction

These flashcards cover key concepts related to homeostasis, thermoregulation, osmoregulation, reproduction, and development as discussed in the lecture.

What is homeostasis?

Maintaining stable internal conditions.

What is the difference between negative feedback and positive feedback?

Negative feedback restores normal conditions, while positive feedback amplifies change.

What are endotherms? Give an example.

Endotherms are organisms that regulate their body temperature internally, such as mammals and birds.

What is torpor?

A short-term, regulated drop in body temperature, which can be daily or seasonal.

How do ectotherms regulate their body temperature?

Ectotherms regulate their body temperature through behavior.

Define osmosis.

Water moves from hypotonic to hypertonic solutions.

What is the function of the nephron?

The nephron filters blood and manages water and electrolyte balance through glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and secretion.

What happens in the descending loop of Henle?

It is permeable to water.

What are the three types of nitrogenous wastes found in organisms?

Ammonia, urea, and uric acid.

What is the main reproductive strategy of asexual reproduction?

Fast reproduction without the need for a mate.

What are the two types of fertilization?

External and internal fertilization.

How does temperature determine sex in some reptiles?

The temperature during embryonic development affects whether they become male or female.

What are the three reproductive strategies for offspring?

Oviparous (egg), viviparous (live birth), and ovoviviparous (egg retained inside).

What is fragmentation in asexual reproduction?

It is a method where an organism can grow from a part of its body.

What determines the sex of birds and insects?

In birds and insects, the female determines the sex.