WAEC 2018 Biology · Question 48

An example of homeostasis in living organisms is

Options

  1. A.cooling effect resulting from evaporation of water from the body surface
  2. B.root hairs of a plant growing towards the source of light
  3. C.changing of the body colour of chameleon to match the colour of the foliage on which it is resting
  4. D.the release of phosphorus into the phloem of a plant growing in a phosphorus-deficient soil

Answer: A. cooling effect resulting from evaporation of water from the body surface

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment (e.g., body temperature, water level, blood sugar) despite changes in the external environment. We need the option that describes this.

Step 2: Concept Homeostasis involves regulating internal conditions such as:

  • Temperature regulation (sweating, panting)
  • Osmoregulation (water balance)
  • Blood sugar control
  • Excretion of wastes

Step 3: Evaluate each option

  • A. Cooling effect from evaporation of water from the body surface: This is sweating, which removes heat and keeps body temperature stable. This is a classic example of thermoregulation, a form of homeostasis. ✔
  • B. Root hairs growing towards light: Roots generally don't grow toward light, and a growth response to a directional stimulus is a tropism, not homeostasis. ✘
  • C. Chameleon changing colour to match foliage: This is camouflage/adaptation, a response to the external surroundings and not regulation of the internal environment. ✘
  • D. Release of phosphorus into the phloem in phosphorus-deficient soil: This is a nutrient transport or mineral process. It is not a regulatory mechanism that maintains a stable internal condition. ✘

Step 4: Answer The correct option is A.

Exam tip: When you see "homeostasis", look for words linked to keeping things constant: temperature control, water balance, sugar level, or excretion. Responses to light, touch, or gravity point to tropisms or other responses, not homeostasis.

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.

Past questions © the examination body (JAMB/WAEC/NECO). DeeepSolve is not affiliated with them. Rights holders: see /copyright.