Homeostasis

Group Discussion
(Rainer & Jean-Vif)

Homeostasis.
Homeo
Stasis
Any self-regulating process by
which biological systems tend to
maintain stability while adjusting
to conditions that are optimal for
survival.

Homeostasis..
 Positive
Feedback.
What does it do?

Positive feedback loops move a system away from equilibrium. Unlike

negative feedback, positive feedback REINFORCES the original
stimulus, causing the response to worsen/intensify the initial change.

Read more

Homeostasis.
 Example:
FRUIT RIPENING

Homeostasis.
A banana in the
bunch ripens

Homeostasis.
Ripe banana releases
ethylene

Homeostasis.
 Ethylene signals
neighbours to ripen

Homeostasis.
Neighbours produce
more ethylene

Homeostasis.
More bananas ripen

Homeostasis.
 FRUIT RIPENING
Diagram
A banana Ripe Ethylene Neighbours
More
in the banana signals produce
bananas
bunch releases neighbours more
ripen
ripens ethylene to open ethylene

Homeostasis.
Hibernation
and Topor.

Decline in Metabolic Rate

Many mammals in cold environments enter
a state of hibernation or torpor during the
winter months.
• In these states, their metabolic rate drops
significantly, reducing the need for
energy and temperature regulation.
• This minimizes the necessity of
homeostasis for maintaining a constant
body temperature and conserving
energy.

What Mammals Do This?

Homeostasis.
 Nocturnal Behaviour
Reduced Heat Exposure
Some desert-dwelling mammals, like the fennec fox, have evolved a pale coat color and are nocturnal to reduce exposure to extreme daytime
heat. This minimizes the need for cooling mechanisms and helps conserve water.

Fur-covered Heat-radiating Pale-coloured

feet ears fur

Other Adaptations

Homeostasis.
Countercurrent
Heat Exchange
Most marine mammals have specialized blood SEA LIONS
vessels in their flippers and tails that allow for
countercurrent heat exchange. This adaptation
prevents excessive heat loss in cold water by
conserving heat within the core of their bodies, DOLPHINS
reducing the energy required to maintain a
constant internal temperature.

WHALES

Homeostasis.
 Plants

Dormancy
Decreased Activity

Some plants in extremely dry or cold

environments enter a state of dormancy, where
they reduce metabolic activity and slow down
growth. This minimizes the need for water and
energy, reducing the necessity of homeostasis
during challenging conditions.
Potato
Plants

Homeostasis.
 Plants

Halophytic
Adaptations
Plants in saline environments, such as mangroves,
have evolved mechanisms to tolerate high salt
Salt glands
concentrations. They can exclude or sequester salt,
preventing it from affecting their internal water Features Ultra-filtration system
balance.
Stilt-like roots

Homeostasis.
 Leaf
Modifications.
Minimizing Water Loss
Xerophytic plants have adapted to water-scarce
environments with features like reduced leaf size, thick
waxy cuticles, and modified stomatal structures.

“These adaptations minimize water

loss through transpiration and reduce
the necessity of maintaining water
balance.”

Homeostasis.
 What If...
Certain Substances Aren’t Excreted
Carbon Dioxide
Normal concentration: 23 to 29
milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L)
What Problems May Arise?
IT CAN LEAD TO respiratory acidosis, causing the blood to
become too acidic, which can result in symptoms like
confusion and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can
affect vital organs and potentially be life-threatening.
Water
Normal concentration: ~60% of our
whole body
What Problems May Arise?
IT CAN LEAD TO a condition known as water retention
or edema, causing swelling in various body tissues.
This can result in high blood pressure, strain on the
heart, and discomfort due to the excess fluid.
Homeostasis.
Urea (normal conc: 1.8 Chloride ions (normal
to 7.1 mmol per litre) conc: 96-106 mEq/L)

IT CAN LEAD TO a condition called IT CAN LEAD TO disruption of the body's

uremia, which can cause symptoms such acid-base balance, potentially leading to
as fatigue, nausea, and can be life- metabolic acidosis and associated
threatening if left untreated. symptoms like weakness and confusion.

Sodium (normal conc:

135-145 mEq/L)
IT CAN LEAD TO high blood pressure,
fluid retention, and potentially damage
the heart and blood vessels.

Homeostasis.
And... that’s the end~

Thank

Homeostasis.