Question

Which of the following statements constitute survival mechanisms in different organisms?

• A. Some bacteria alter their composition and enter a state of hibernation.
• B. Yeasts form spores which are highly sensitive to external conditions.
• C. Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal gland in human beings.
• D. The digestive and endocrine systems of human beings do not have a role to play in survival mechanisms.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (C)

The correct options are
A Some bacteria alter their composition and enter a state of hibernation.
C Adrenaline is secreted by the adrenal gland in human beings.

Some bacteria can alter their composition and take a form where they can enter into a state of hibernation when the outside environment is highly unfavourable. They can stay in this state for several thousands of years. Samples of such bacteria, when brought into favourable conditions, regenerate and multiply rapidly.
Yeasts produce spores through reproduction and can tolerate even the harshest of conditions. When favourable conditions are met, spores fuse and form a new yeast again.
Humans have much complex survival mechanisms. The neural, locomotory, digestive and endocrine systems work together to help us respond to unfavourable environmental conditions. Our survival mechanisms include secreting hormones like adrenaline which induces a feeling of fear or excitement leading us to either fight or flight.