Question

Match the explanation with a theory in the key. a. homeostasis b. cell c. evolution d. gene The internal environment remains relatively stable.

Short answer

The correct match for the explanation "The internal environment remains relatively stable" is a. Homeostasis.

Step-by-step solution

Review the terms provided

To find the correct match for the explanation, the student should first have a basic understanding of each term on the list. Here is a brief overview of each term: a. Homeostasis: The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. b. Cell: The basic unit of life, from which all living organisms are composed. c. Evolution: The process by which species change over time through natural selection and genetic mutations. d. Gene: A segment of DNA that carries information for producing a specific protein or trait.

Identify which term matches the explanation

From the given terms, we are looking for a concept that deals with maintaining a stable internal environment. Based on the definitions provided, we can see that homeostasis is the biological process that is most closely related to the given explanation.

Present the correct match

The correct match for the explanation "The internal environment remains relatively stable" is: a. Homeostasis

Key concepts

Cell Biology

Cell biology is the study of the cell, which is the basic unit of life and the building block of all organisms. It encompasses understanding how cells function, interact, communicate, and control their internal environments.

Key to cell biology is the cell membrane, which acts as a barrier regulating the entry and exit of substances, enabling homeostasis. Within cells, organelles like mitochondria generate energy, while the nucleus houses genetic material that guides cell behavior and reproduction.

In cell biology, the exercise of maintaining a stable internal environment ties into the concept of homeostasis. This is a critical function of cells as they react and adapt to external changes, such as fluctuations in temperature or availability of nutrients. By understanding the mechanisms cells use, such as transport proteins and signaling pathways, students can appreciate how complex and vital this balance is for life's continuity.

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary biology is the study of how organisms have changed over time and the processes driving these transformations. Central to evolutionary theory is natural selection, where heritable traits that enhance survival and reproduction become more common in a population over generations.

Evolutionary biology is closely tied to genetics, as genetic mutations can introduce new traits that may offer an advantage or disadvantage in a given environment. For instance, organisms that can better maintain homeostasis in fluctuating conditions may be more likely to survive and pass on their genes.

The concept of homeostasis is relevant in evolutionary biology because it represents an adaptive feature that likely evolved to help organisms survive in diverse and changing environments. By maintaining internal stability, organisms can ensure that their physiological processes operate optimally, providing an evolutionary edge.

Genetics

Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. It explores how genetic information is passed from parents to offspring and how it manifests as physical and behavioral traits.

At the core of genetics is DNA, which contains genes, the blueprints for proteins that carry out most of the tasks within an organism's cells. Mutations in genes can lead to changes in proteins, potentially disrupting homeostasis if they affect critical functions such as enzymatic reactions or structural support in cells.

Understanding the genetic basis of homeostasis allows students to explore how certain genetic disorders disrupt internal balance. For example, a mutation that impacts the body's ability to regulate temperature or glucose levels can result in diseases that are studied within the field of genetics. Similarly, genetically inherited traits that contribute to robust homeostatic mechanisms could explain why some individuals or species are more resilient to environmental changes, reflecting the interconnectedness of genetics and evolutionary success.