biological systems tend to maintain stability while adjusting to
conditions that are optimal for survival. If homeostasis is successful, life continues; if unsuccessful, disaster or death ensues. The stability attained is actually a dynamic equilibrium, in which continuous change occurs yet relatively uniform conditions prevail. Any system in dynamic equilibrium tends to reach a steady state, a balance that resists outside forces of change. When such a system is disturbed, built-in regulatory devices respond to the departures to establish a new balance; such a process is one of feedback control. All processes of integration and coordination of function, whether mediated by electrical circuits or by nervous and hormonal systems, are examples of homeostatic regulation. A familiar example of homeostatic regulation in a mechanical system is the action of a room-temperature regulator, or thermostat. The heart of the thermostat is a bimetallic strip that responds to temperature changes by completing or disrupting an electric circuit. When the room cools, the circuit is completed, the furnace operates, and the temperature rises. At a preset level the circuit breaks, the furnace stops, and the temperature drops. Biological systems, of greater complexity, however, have regulators only very roughly comparable to such mechanical devices. The two types of systems are alike, however, in their goalsto sustain activity within prescribed ranges, whether to control the thickness of rolled steel or the pressure within the circulatory system.
Camouflage is an adaptation that helps an organism blend
in with its surroundings. Blending in helps the animal avoid predators and increases its ability to survive. Camouflage in the animal kingdom works in various forms. Organisms may use their ability to blend in for different reasons, but ultimately it helps an animal to survive and reproduce. Camouflage isn't just about color. True, it may be a pattern on an animals coat or wings that lets it blend in. But it could also be the ability of an animal to mimic something else.
Camouflage also includes coloration that is noticeable, but
makes a body outline difficult to see. Usually, animals that use camouflage mimic things a predator won't notice, such as plants or rocks. Another form of camouflage is disruptive coloration. This occurs when an organism stands out against its surroundings, but has colors that break up its outline. Many animals have stripes or spots that help them to blend together when in groups. This makes it difficult for a predator to detect just one of these animals. When groups of disruptively colored animals are in a herd, it can make them more difficult to catch. A predator may lose sight of which animal it had chosen to attack and could get lost in the moving of the group. Another benefit of camouflage is seen in the pupa (cocoon) of a moth or butterfly. This life stage can last weeks, months, or years, depending on the species. During this life stage, they must stay hidden, as this is the only defense they have against predators. When you are in danger of being prey, camouflage can help you avoid predators. But some predators use camouflage too. Camouflage for a predator may help that animal to remain unnoticed while hunting. The ability to stay undetected by prey gives the hunter the advantage of a surprise attack. Some animals use scent camouflage. This means they disguise their normal smell with a different one. They might mimic the smell of another organism to trick their predators or prey. A biologic stimulus is any external change in the environment that can be detected by an organism. The ability to respond to a stimulus is called irritability and is a necessary condition for life. An example of a stimulus is an individual placing a hand on a hot surface. The temperature is the stimulus, and the individual then protects themselves by pulling their hand away. Other stimuli include the ability of an organism to detect the pH, salinity or light in their environment. All organisms must maintain homeostasis, a stable internal environment. Homeostasis can only be achieved through sensing and responding to the environment.
Summary of Gut Check by Dr. Steven R Gundry: Unleash the Power of Your Microbiome to Reverse Disease and Transform Your Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health (The Plant Paradox Book 7)