Question

A squirrel is in a scary situation. Its body has to prepare for either fighting or running away. State the immediate changes that take place in its body so that the squirrel is able to either fight or run?

Answer 1

Adrenaline:

1. Adrenaline is a hormone released by the adrenal glands.
2. The hormone is also known as the fight and flight hormone.
3. When a squirrel gets into that situation, due to stress, tension, etc., his body starts releasing the hormone which helps him to respond quickly by running or fighting.

Immediate changes in a squirrel's body to fight or run:

1. Adrenaline causes an increase in heart-pumping rate and respiratory rate.
2. It suppresses the activities of the digestive system and reproductive systems for a certain period of time.
3. The amygdala responds to the threat
4. It also causes blood pressure, pupil dilation, etc.
5. The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases adrenaline from the glands near the kidneys.

Final Answer: The hormone adrenaline helps the squirrel to act immediately in a scary situation.