Question

Which of the following animals uses the largest percentage of its energy budget for homeostatic regulation?

(A) marine jelly (an invertebrate)

(B) snake in a temperate forest

(C) desert insect.

(D) desert bird.

Short answer

(A) The option "marine jelly (an invertebrate)" is false.

(B) The option "snake in a temperate forest" is false.

(C) The option "desert insect" is false.

(D) The option "desert bird" is true.

Step-by-step solution

Homeostatic regulation

A self-regulating mechanism through which an organism maintains stability while responding to conditions conducive to its survival is called homeostasis. Life continues if homeostasis is adequate; if not, an organism suffers a catastrophe or dies.

Explanation of option (A)

A marine jellyfish is a cold-blooded ectoderm species that live in the ocean. This implies they don't need as much energy to maintain homeostasis because they don't control their body temperature. Therefore the temperature has a significant impact on them.

Thus, marine jelly is an incorrect option related to the use of the largest energy for homeostasis.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (B)

All reptiles living in temperate forests are ectothermic, including snakes. This implies they get their body heat from their surroundings. This means they won't be able to spend the majority of their energy budget on homeostatic control.

Thus, the snake is an incorrect option related to the use of the largest energy for homeostasis.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (C)

Since all insects are ectothermic, people don't see them during the winter months. Insects maintain their body temperatures within specific limits through thermoregulation. Because a vital metabolic function is skipped, being ectothermic minimizes the need for food.

Thus, the insect is an incorrect option related to the use of the largest energy for homeostasisan.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (D)

A desert bird is an endothermic organism or warm-blooded organism, which maintains a steady body temperature regardless of the surroundings. This means desert bird uses more energy to maintain homeostasis.

Thus, the bird is the correct option related to the use of the largest energy for homeostasis.

Therefore, the given statement is true.