Basic Principles of Animal Form and Function: Feedback Control

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the principles of animal form and function with a focus on feedback control and homeostasis.

Homeostasis

The state of steady internal chemical and physical conditions maintained by living systems.

Regulator

An organism that uses internal controls to maintain stable internal conditions.

Conformer

An organism that allows its internal conditions to change in tandem with external changes.

Negative feedback

A control mechanism that reduces the disturbance in a system, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Physiological responses

The body's reactions to stimuli that are not instantaneous and can take time to occur.

Acclimatization

The process by which an animal adjusts to changes in its environment, such as temperature.

Circadian rhythm

A set of physiological changes that occur roughly every 24 hours in response to light and darkness.

Thermoregulation

The process by which an animal regulates its body temperature.

Feedback loop

A system that maintains homeostasis by using receptors, control centers, and effectors.

Set point

The desired level or range of a physiological variable in a feedback system.

Physiological buffers

Substances that help maintain the pH of the blood and other bodily fluids.

Hibernation

A state of deep sleep or dormancy used by some animals to conserve energy during winter.

Morphology

The form and structure of animals that may change seasonally in response to environmental conditions.

Feedback control mechanisms

Processes involving receptors, control centers, and effectors to regulate key physiological variables.

Homeostasis breakdown

The failure of a body's systems to maintain a stable internal environment, which can lead to disease or death.

Heat stroke

A dangerous condition that occurs when the body cannot cool itself down, leading to dangerously high internal temperatures.

Organ failure

The inability of an organ to perform its functions, potentially leading to a breakdown of homeostasis.