How Evolving Physiology & Anatomy Maintain Homeostasis & Equilibrium

An Organism's Homeostasis & Equilibrium

Systems in organisms have evolved to maintain homeostasis and equilibrium in a variety of ways. The more obvious means can be seen in species such as penguins that have developed waterproof feathers in order to protect them from freezing water (Cornell , 2014). This adaptation also serves to maintain the birds inner temperature such that it will not fall to a dangerous level. The penguin as further adapted its abilities to maintain homeostasis and equilibrium from an internal standpoint. Penguins have developed a behavior called preening which is a production of oil from within the body which the bird cleans its feathers with. This preening process serves two important functions. The first function is that it allows the bird to move smoothly through the water and the second function is that it further insulates the penguin’s body from moisture and cold (Cornell , 2014).

The example of the penguin shows that over time the environmental pressures such as cold, cause changes and allow the fittest of creatures to survive (Gregory, 2007). A large part of this process of adaptation is being able to maintain homeostasis and equilibrium. If an organism cannot survive changes that impact these factors it will become extinct. This is way penguins have survived and can continue to survive even with large fluctuation with temperature.

References

Cornell . (2014). Feathers and Plumages. Retrieved from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/studying/feathers/

Gregory, T. R. (2007, November 20). Evolution as Fact, Theory, and Path. Retrieved from Springer Science: http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/196/art%253A10.1007%252Fs12052-007-0001-z.pdf?auth66=1395456547_003513fdf10ecd3dc41aaf2e7e4af6c0&ext=.pdf