Question 1: Explain in your own words what homeostasis is and why it is vital for maintaining body temperature.

Answer: Homeostasis is the process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment, including body temperature, despite external changes. It is vital to ensure proper functioning of enzymes and metabolic processes.

Question 1: Describe the role of the hypothalamus in temperature regulation.

Answer: The hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat, detecting changes in body temperature and triggering responses such as sweating or shivering to restore normal temperature.

Question 2: List two behavioural responses humans use to regulate body temperature when feeling cold.

Answer: Wearing warmer clothing and seeking shelter or warmth.

Question 1: Calculate the heat loss (in Joules) when a person's body surface area is 1.8 m², the temperature difference between the body and environment is 15°C, and the heat transfer coefficient is 10 W/m²°C. Use the formula: Heat Loss = Surface Area × Temperature Difference × Heat Transfer Coefficient. (Note: 1 W = 1 Joule/sec, assume a 60-second period for total energy loss).

Answer: 4500 Joules

Question 2: A person's core body temperature drops from 37°C to 36°C due to cold exposure. If their basal metabolic rate produces 80 Joules/sec, how much energy (in Joules) is generated over 10 minutes to restore normal temperature? (Assume all energy produced is used in temperature regulation).

Answer: 48000 Joules

Question 1: Describe a simple experiment to measure the effect of exercise on body temperature, including variables to control and safety precautions.

Answer: Students could measure their body temperature before and after mild exercise, controlling variables such as clothing and hydration. Safety precautions include avoiding overexertion, ensuring hydration, and monitoring for signs of heat exhaustion.

Question 1: A study reports that after exposure to a cold environment, the average body temperature of participants drops from 37°C to 36.2°C within 30 minutes. Discuss what physiological responses might be activated to restore normal body temperature.

Answer: Responses such as shivering to generate heat, vasoconstriction to reduce heat loss, and increased metabolic activity are likely activated.

Question 1: Explain how understanding body temperature regulation is important in designing effective clothing for extreme weather conditions.

Answer: Knowledge of how the body loses or gains heat helps in designing clothing that insulates and regulates temperature, preventing hypothermia or heatstroke.

Question 1: Describe the feedback mechanisms involved in maintaining a normal core body temperature of 37°C. (6 marks)

Answer: The hypothalamus detects changes in body temperature. When cold, it triggers responses such as shivering and vasoconstriction to generate and conserve heat. When hot, it stimulates sweating and vasodilation to dissipate heat, restoring the temperature to normal. These mechanisms form a negative feedback loop ensuring stability.