Question

Read the statements given below regarding regulators and select the correct option.

Statement 1: The success of mammals is due to their ability to maintain a constant body temperature

Statement 2: Only mammals are capable of thermoregulation.

• A. Both the statements (1 and 2) are correct
• B. Both the statements (1 and 2) are incorrect
• C. Statement 1 is correct while statement 2 is incorrect
• D. Statement 2 is correct while statement 1 is incorrect

Answer 1

The correct option is C Statement 1 is correct while statement 2 is incorrect

Organisms such as birds, mammals, a very few lower vertebrate and invertebrate species are capable of maintaining a constant internal environment (homeostasis) at all times irrespective of the changes in the external environment. This stability is in terms of a constant body temperature, osmotic conditions, etc.

Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Maintaining a constant internal environment is important because the metabolic functions require optimum temperature, pH, osmotic concentrations, etc. This helps regulators to perform better in various environmental conditions and is the key to their survival in diverse ecological habitats.

Hence, the mammals are considered to be successful by evolutionary biologists as they can maintain a constant body temperature and thrive whether they live in Antarctica or in the Sahara Desert.

Hence, statement 1 is correct.