New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2

Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

Bio QB E1
Chapter 2 Regulation of body temperature

Multiple-choice questions

[E102101]
 The graph below shows an individual’s skin temperature and rate of sweat
production over a period of 50 minutes.

Key:
sweat production
skin temperature

rate of sweat production (cm /min)

38

3
4
skin temperature (°C)

37
3
36
2
35 2
2 1
34
0
0 10 20 30 40 50
time (min)

What is the skin temperature when the rate of sweat production is at a

maximum?
A 3.2°C B 4.5°C
C 36.7°C D 38.0°C
SQA Human Biology Higher Section A 2008 Q21
C

[E102102]
 Which of the following organs monitors body temperature?
A hypothalamus B pituitary gland
C prostate gland D spleen

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 39 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

SQA Human Biology Higher Section A 2007 Q17

A

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 40 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102103]
* The list below describes changes involved in temperature regulation.
(1) increased vasodilation
(2) decreased vasodilation
(3) erector muscles contract
(4) erector muscles relax
Which of these are responses to cooling in mammals?
A (1) and (3) only
B (1) and (4) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (2) and (4) only
SQA Biology Higher Section A 2009 Q29
C

[E102104]
* The diagram below shows a skin model.

Which of the following are the functions of X?

(1) acts as energy reserve
(2) acts as an insulator
(3) protects the body against ultraviolet light
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 41 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102105]
* Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows how body temperature is regulated by negative feedback mechanism.

fall in body turns on the normal body

X Y
temperature heater temperature

wears more
clothes

X and Y are parts of the brain. Which of the following correctly identifies X and
Y?
X Y
A cerebrum hypothalamus
B pituitary gland cerebrum
C hypothalamus pituitary gland
D hypothalamus cerebrum
D

[E102106]
* Which of the following is another possible mechanism initiated by X and Y in
the above pathway?
A eats an ice cream
B drinks a cup of hot tea
C shivers
D secretes more thyroxine
B

[E102107]
* What are the roles of hypothalamus in the negative feedback control of body
temperature?
(1) receptor
(2) control centre
(3) effector
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 42 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102108]
 The diagram below shows some structures of the mammalian skin.

What are structures X, Y and Z?

X Y Z
A hair follicle receptor sebaceous gland
B hair follicle capillary sweat gland
C erector muscle capillary sebaceous gland
D erector muscle receptor sweat gland
D

[E102109]
* Which of the following shows the changes that occur when a person enters a cold
room on a hot summer day?
Skin temperature Blood flow to the skin surface
A rises increases
B rises decreases
C falls increases
D falls decreases
D

[E102110]
 Which of the following structures are involved in body temperature regulation?
(1) hypothalamus
(2) skin
(3) thyroid gland
A (1) and (2) only B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only D (1), (2) and (3)
D

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 43 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102111]
 Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows the structure of the human skin.

W
X
Y

Which layer(s) of the skin produce(s) a dark pigment?

A W only
B Y only
C W, X and Y only
D W, X, Y and Z
B

[E102112]
 Which of the following is/are the function(s) of the dark pigment?
(1) for camouflage
(2) absorbs ultraviolet light
(3) produces vitamin D
A (1) only
B (2) only
C (3) only
D (2) and (3) only
B

[E102113]
 Which of the following occurs when we feel cold?
A thyroxine secretion decreases
B sweat production decreases
C erector muscles relax
D blood flow to the skin surface increases
B

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 44 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102114]
* Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows the change in skin temperature of a person after he immersed himself in
water.

skin temperature (°C)

5 10 15 20 25 30
time (min)

When the person immersed himself in water, more heat was lost from the body
by
A exhalation. B convection.
C radiation. D evaporation.
B

[E102115]
* Which of the following actions of the body contributes to the change in skin
temperature shown in the diagram?
A vasoconstriction of arterioles in the skin
B contraction of erector muscles
C decrease in sweat production
D thickening of subcutaneous fat
A

[E102116]
 Keeping the body temperature constant is important because
A the heart beats at a normal rate only within a narrow range of temperature.
B the lungs function only within a narrow range of temperature.
C the blood cells function only within a narrow range of temperature.
D the enzymes function only within a narrow range of temperature.
D

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 45 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102117]
* The diagram below shows the regulation of body temperature in humans.

response P

rise in body
temperature
normal body thermoregulatory
temperature centre
fall in body
temperature
response Q

Responses P and Q can be

P Q
A contraction of erector muscles relaxation of erector muscles
B vasoconstriction of arterioles vasodilation of arterioles
C increase in sweat production decrease in sweat production
D increase in thyroxine secretion decrease in thyroxine secretion
C

[E102118]
 Our body loses heat by
(1) exhalation.
(2) evaporation of sweat.
(3) urination.
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
D

[E102119]
 Which of the following can be found in the dermis?
(1) blood vessels
(2) thermoreceptors
(3) melanin
A (1) and (2) only
B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
A

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 46 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102120]
 Directions: The following two questions refer to the diagram below, which
shows a model of the mammalian skin.

X Z

Which of the following correctly shows the function of the secretions of X and
Y?
Secretion of X Secretion of Y
A kills microorganisms keeps the hairs waterproof
B helps regulate body temperature keeps the hairs and skin supple
C acts as a natural antiseptic acts as an insulator
D removes metabolic waste helps reduce heat loss from the body
B

[E102121]
 What is Z and what is the function of it?
Z Function
A erector muscle reduces heat loss by evaporation when it contracts
B erector muscle reduces heat loss by convection when it contracts
C capillary reduces heat loss by radiation when it contracts
D capillary supplies oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle
B

[E102122]
 Which of the following statements about the epidermis of the skin is not correct?
A It consists of dead cells only.
B It contains a pigment called melanin.
C It reduces water loss by evaporation.
D It protects the body from mechanical injury.
A

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 47 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Multiple-choice questions

[E102123]
* How do the following structures of the skin respond when the external
temperature increases from 15°C to 30°C?
Erector muscles Hairs Arterioles
A relax lie flat dilate
B relax pulled upright constrict
C contract lie flat constrict
D contract pulled upright dilate
A

[E102124]
* Which of the following is the action that helps reduce heat loss from the body
when a person enters a cold room?
A contraction of skeletal muscles
B decrease in sweat production
C relaxation of erector muscles
D thickening of subcutaneous fat
B

[E102125]
* Which of the following statements correctly explain(s) why our face becomes
red when we are hot?
(1) More blood flows to the skin surface when we are hot.
(2) Capillaries near the skin surface dilate when we are hot.
(3) More heat is lost through the skin surface when we are hot.
A (1) only B (3) only
C (1) and (2) only D (2) and (3) only
A

[E102126]
**Which of the following responses can effectively lower the body temperature
when the external temperature is above 37°C?
(1) vasodilation of arterioles
(2) increase in sweat production
(3) taking in cold food or drinks
A (1) and (2) only B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only D (1), (2) and (3)
C

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 48 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Short questions

Short questions

[E102201]
* The diagrams show sections of skin in different environmental conditions.

X Y
cold conditions warm conditions
skin surface

sweat gland

capillary

direction of blood flow

a Complete diagram Y to show how the capillaries would change in warm

conditions. (2 marks)
b Describe and explain how the change in the sweat gland helps cool the body
in warm conditions. (2 marks)
c Suggest how shivering helps regulate body temperature in cold conditions.
(1 mark)
CEA GCSE Biology Paper 1 Higher Tier 2007 Q7
-- ans --
a Less blood flows to shunt vessel. 1m
More blood flows to capillary. 1m
b The sweat gland secretes more sweat. 1m
Evaporation of more sweat / water absorbs heat from the skin. 1m
c Muscle contraction produces heat. 1m

-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 49 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Short questions

[E102202]
 The chart below shows the temperature of a patient over a 5-day period.
Readings were taken daily at 7 am and 7 pm.

40.5

40

39.5
temperature (°C)

39

38.5

38

37.5

37

36.5
7 am 7 pm 7 am 7 pm 7 am 7 pm 7 am 7 pm 7 am 7 pm
day 1 day 2 day 3 day 4 day 5
day and time

a i Calculate the temperature increase from 7 am on day 1 to 7 am on

day 2. (1 mark)
ii State two responses made by the body to cause the change in
temperature observed on day 2 from 7 am to 7 pm. (2 marks)
b i Name the area of the brain containing the temperature regulating
centre. (1 mark)
ii What term is used to describe the type of control mechanism which
returns the body temperature to normal? (1 mark)
iii Describe how information is carried from temperature receptors in the
skin to the brain. (1 mark)
SQA Biology Intermediate 2 Section B 2008 Q10
-- ans --
a i 40.3 - 38 = 2.3°C 1m
ii Increase the amount of blood that flows to the skin surface. /
Increase heat loss by conduction, convection or radiation. /
Increase sweating. /
Contraction of erector muscles. / Hairs lie flat. (any 2) 1m x 2

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 50 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Short questions

b i Hypothalamus 1m
ii Negative feedback mechanism 1m
iii Nerve impulses are sent to the brain along the sensory nerves. 1m
-- ans end --

[E102203]
**The diagram below shows the change in blood temperature of a person who just
ate an ice cream on a hot summer day.
37.7
37.6
blood temperature (°C)

37.5
37.4
37.3
37.2
37.1
37
36.9
0 10 20 30 40 50
time after eating ice cream (min)

a Which part of the body detects changes in blood temperature? (1 mark)

b Explain why the blood temperature decreased after the person ate an ice
cream. (1 mark)
c Estimate from the graph the time needed for the blood temperature to return
to normal. (1 mark)
d Given that evaporation of sweat was the main way of heat loss from the
body that day, describe and explain how the skin temperature changed
immediately after the person ate the ice cream. (4 marks)
-- ans --
a Hypothalamus 1m
b Some heat from the body was transferred to the ice cream. 1m
c 40 mins 1m
d The skin temperature increased after eating ice cream. 1m
The decrease in blood temperature was detected by the hypothalamus. The
hypothalamus triggered a decrease in sweat production. 1m
The decrease in sweat production decreased the heat loss from the skin surface by
evaporation. 1m
The amount of heat gain from the surroundings exceeded the amount of heat loss,
thus the skin temperature increased. 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 51 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Short questions

[E102204]
 The diagram below shows how thyroxine secretion is controlled.

stimulates

stimulates inhibits

thyroid gland

a What are structures X and Y? (2 marks)

b How structures X and Y stimulate the secretion of thyroxine? (3 marks)
c Describe the role of thyroxine in body temperature regulation. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a X: hypothalamus 1m
Y: pituitary gland 1m
b X secretes TSH-releasing hormone, 1m
which stimulates Y to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone. 1m
Thyroid stimulating hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine.
1m
c Under cold conditions, more thyroxine is secreted by the thyroid gland. 1m
Thyroxine increases the metabolic rate of body cells, thus more heat is generated
to keep the body warm. 1m
-- ans end --

[E102205]
* The table below shows the amount of water lost through the skin and the lungs of
a person in two days. On day 1 he was at rest and on day 2 he ran a marathon.

Amount of water loss (cm3)

Skin Lungs
Day 1 520 420
Day 2 5260 550

a i State one response of the body during exercise that led to the increase
in water loss through the skin on day 2. (1 mark)
ii What is the significance of the response stated in a i? (3 marks)
b Explain the difference in the amount of water lost through the lungs in these
two days. (3 marks)

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 52 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Short questions

-- ans --
a i The sweat glands secreted more sweat. / Sweating increased. 1m
ii During exercise, more heat is generated due to the contraction of skeletal
muscles. 1m
Evaporation of more sweat absorbs extra heat from the body. 1m
This lowers the body temperature during exercise. 1m
b More water was lost through the lungs on day 2. 1m
The rate and depth of breathing increased during exercise. 1m
More water from the lungs was carried away by the exhaled air. 1m
-- ans end --

[E102206]
* The diagram below shows the changes of the skin of a person when he enters a
room.

hair

epidermis
erector
muscle

sweat
gland

a Is the room cold or hot? State one evidence shown in the above diagram.
(2 marks)
b Explain why hairs do not play an important role in conserving heat in
humans under cold conditions. (3 marks)
c In an accident, the epidermis of a person’s skin was seriously burnt. Explain
why this can be life-threatening. (2 marks)
-- ans --
a The room is cold. 1m
The hairs are pulled upright. / The erector muscles contract. 1m
b Hairs of humans are short and are not dense enough. 1m
They cannot trap air effectively. 1m
Thus the insulating effect is poor. 1m
c The person may be infected by pathogens that enter the body through the wound.
1m
The person may also suffer from excessive water loss through the wound. 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 53 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Short questions

[E102207]
 Complete the following paragraph with suitable words. (4 marks)
All the temperature regulation mechanisms are controlled by the
thermoregulatory centre in the a . The changes in blood and skin
temperatures are detected by b . Heat loss centre initiates mechanisms
like c of erector muscles and vasodilation. Heat gain centre initiates
mechanisms like d of erector muscles and vasoconstriction.
-- ans --
a hypothalamus 1m
b thermoreceptors 1m
c relaxation 1m
d contraction 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 54 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

Structured questions

[E102301]
 The diagram below shows a section of human skin.

W
Y

a Name structures W, X and Y. (3 marks)

b How do structures W, X and Y help in regulating body temperature when
we feel
i cold? (4 marks)
ii hot? (4 marks)
c State one function of structure Z. (1 mark)
-- ans --
a W: sweat gland 1m
X: hair 1m
Y: erector muscle 1m
b i Y contracts to pull X upright. 1m
This traps a thicker layer of air close to the skin surface to reduce heat loss to
the surroundings. 1m
W secretes less sweat. 1m
This reduces the amount of heat lost by evaporation. 1m
ii Y relaxes and X lies flat. 1m
This traps a thinner layer of air close to the skin surface, thus heat is lost more
quickly from the body. 1m
W secretes more sweat. 1m
Evaporation of more sweat absorbs more heat from the body surface. 1m
c Z insulates the body against heat loss / acts as an energy reserve. 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 55 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102302]
* Mammals maintain a high body temperature, generally within the range 35 to
40°C, and heat is lost to the external environment by
˙ radiation
˙ conduction and convection
˙ evaporation

The relative amount of heat loss by each of these processes changes at different
environmental temperatures. The table below shows data for the percentage
contribution of each of the processes to the total heat loss at three temperatures.

Percentage total contribution to the heat loss

Environmental Radiation Conduction and Evaporation
temperature (°C) convection
25 67 10 23
30 41 33 26
35 4 6 90

a At which environmental temperature will the total amount of heat loss by

the mammal be greatest? Explain your answer. (2 marks)
b The actual amount of heat loss by radiation was the same at each of the
three environmental temperatures. Explain the differences in heat loss by
radiation shown in the table. (2 marks)
c Explain two physiological processes by which the body may lose heat at
higher environmental temperatures. (4 marks)
CEA GCE (A) Biology Module 4 May 2008 Q4
-- ans --
a 35°C 1m
because a large amount of heat is lost by evaporation. 1m
OR
25°C 1m
because the temperature gradient between the body and the environment is the
greatest. 1m
b The table shows the percentages relative to the total heat loss. 1m
At lower environmental temperatures, heat loss by other processes is reduced,
therefore radiation contributes more to the total heat loss. / At higher environmental
temperatures, evaporation contributes more to the total heat loss, therefore the
percentage contribution by radiation is reduced. 1m

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 56 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

c Any two processes with descriptions: 2m x 2

Vasodilation
More blood flows near the skin surface. / More heat is lost by conduction, convection
or radiation.
Sweating
Heat is lost by evaporation.
Relaxation of erector muscles
No air is trapped, so there is no insulating layer on the skin surface.

-- ans end --

[E102303]
* Give an account of temperature regulation in cold conditions under the following
headings:
a voluntary responses. (3 marks)
b involuntary responses. (5 marks)
SQA Human Biology Higher Section C 2008 Q1
-- ans --
a Voluntary responses are responses that are under conscious control of the body.
1m
Examples of voluntary responses:
Curling up of the body to reduce the surface area of skin exposed to the
environment / increasing activity or movement / wearing additional clothing / taking
hot drinks / switching on a heater / seeking shelter or a warm area. (any 2) 1m x 2
b Body temperature is monitored by the hypothalamus. / Responses are triggered by
the hypothalamus. 1m
Examples of involuntary responses:
Hairs are pulled upright to trap air which is a good insulator. /
Vasoconstriction / Blood is diverted away from the skin surface to reduce heat loss
from the skin surface. /
Shivering which generates heat. /
Increase in metabolic rate generates heat. /
Decrease in sweat production decreases heat loss by evaporation. (any 4) 1m x 4

-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 57 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102304]
* The metabolism of endotherms (homoiotherms) and ectotherms (poikilotherms)
is influenced by the temperature of the external environment, though in different
ways. The graph below shows how the metabolic rate of both groups is
influenced by changes in environmental temperature.

6
metabolic rate (arbitrary unit)

2 endotherm
ectotherm
1

0
0 10 20 30 40
environmental temperature (°C)

a Explain why the metabolic rate of an endotherm increases as the

environmental temperature falls below 20°C. (2 marks)
b Suggest explanations for the metabolic rate of an endotherm remaining
steady between 25°C and 40°C. (2 marks)
c Explain why the metabolic rate of an ectotherm increases as the
environmental temperature increases. (2 marks)
d At a low temperature, the metabolic rate of an endotherm is many times that
of an ectotherm. Suggest one advantage and one disadvantage of this.
(2 marks)
CEA GCE (A) Biology Module 4 May 2007 Q4
-- ans --
a The metabolic rate increases to generate more heat 1m
to compensate for the heat loss / to maintain a stable body temperature. 1m
b At 25°C to 40°C, the body temperature can be maintained by physical means.
1m
The metabolic rate is at minimum. This is the metabolic rate needed to maintain a
basal activity of the body. 1m
c The body temperature of ectotherms increases as the environmental temperature
increases. 1m
As the body temperature increases, enzyme activity also increases. 1m

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 58 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

d Advantage:
Endotherms remain active in very cold environments. / Endotherms can colonize
areas with colder climates. / Ectotherms do not have a high dietary requirement at
low temperatures. 1m
Disadvantage:
Endotherms have a high dietary requirement at low temperatures. / Ectotherms are
relatively inactive at low temperatures. 1m
-- ans end --

[E102305]
* Prolonged exposure to very cold temperatures or very hot temperatures is
harmful to the body. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below
35°C and heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises to above 40°C.
a Why is it dangerous when the body temperature falls or rises too much?
(2 marks)
b Describe how the skin reduces heat loss to prevent the body temperature
from falling too much under cold conditions. (5 marks)
c Describe how the skin promotes heat loss to prevent the body temperature
from rising too much under hot conditions. (5 marks)
-- ans --
a Metabolic activities in humans are controlled by enzymes 1m
which only work within a narrow range of temperature. 1m
b Under cold conditions, the arterioles that supply blood to the capillaries near the skin
surface constrict. 1m
Less blood flows to the capillaries. 1m
This reduces heat loss by conduction, convection and radiation. 1m
Sweating is reduced to prevent heat loss by evaporation. 1m
Erector muscles contract to pull hairs upright to trap a thicker layer of air close to the
skin surface for good insulation of heat. 1m
c Under hot conditions, the arterioles which supply blood to the capillaries near the
skin surface dilate. 1m
More blood flows to the capillaries. 1m
More heat is lost by conduction, convection and radiation. 1m
Sweating increases so that more heat is lost by evaporation. 1m
Erector muscles relax and hairs lie flat to trap a thinner layer of air close to the skin
surface. Thus insulation of heat is poor. 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 59 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102306]
 The diagram below shows the structure of human skin.

P
Q
R

X
X
Y
S

a State which layer of the skin, P, Q, R, S or T,

i contains actively dividing cells. (1 mark)
ii consists of dead cells. (1 mark)
iii contains cells that can produce vitamin D. (1 mark)
iv brings about a long-term response to the change in environmental
temperature. (1 mark)
b i Name the secretions from structures X and Y. (2 marks)
ii Give one function of each secretion stated in b i. (2 marks)
-- ans –
a i R 1m
ii P 1m
iii R 1m
iv T 1m
b i Secretion of X: sebum 1m
Secretion of Y: sweat 1m
ii Secretion of X:
It makes the hairs and the skin supple. / It makes the skin waterproof. / It acts
as an antiseptic to reduce the growth of microorganisms on the skin. 1m
Secretion of Y:
It increases heat loss by evaporation. / It removes metabolic waste from the
body. 1m

-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 60 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102307]
* A student did exercise on two hot summer days.
a State two reasons to explain why the amount of heat loss by radiation
increases during exercise. (2 marks)
b The table below shows some information of the two days.

Temperature Relative humidity Wind speed

(°C) (%) (km h-1)
Day 1 38 50 5
Day 2 38 88 5

i What was the main way of heat loss on day 1? Explain briefly.
(3 marks)
ii Hence explain why drinking plenty of water is important when doing
exercise on hot summer days. (2 marks)
iii Explain why heat stroke is more likely to occur on day 2. (3 marks)
-- ans --
a Vasodilation of arterioles increases the amount of blood that flows to the capillaries

near the skin surface. 1m

As body temperature increases during exercise, temperature gradient between the

body and the environment increases. 1m

b i Heat was mainly lost by evaporation of sweat. 1m

On day 1, the external temperature was higher than the body temperature.

The body could not lose heat effectively by radiation. 1m

The wind speed was also low, so the body could not lose heat effectively by

convection. 1m

ii Drinking plenty of water allows sweat to be produced continuously. 1m

Thus the body can be cooled down by evaporation of sweat. 1m

iii The relative humidity was higher on day 2. 1m

The sweat produced could not evaporate quickly. 1m

Heat produced during exercise could not be lost to the surroundings. The

body temperature may become too high. 1m

-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 61 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102308]
* The diagram below shows how the body temperature is regulated by the nervous
system under cold conditions.

fall in blood
temperature
normal body
thermoreceptors brain skin
temperature
fall in skin
temperature

a Where are the thermoreceptors located in the body? (2 marks)

b Which part of the brain controls all the mechanisms of temperature
regulation? (1 mark)
c Describe two responses brought about by the skin under cold conditions.
(2 marks)
d Cerebrum of the brain also plays an important role in body temperature
regulation.
i What is the difference between the responses initiated by the cerebrum
and the responses stated in c in nature? (1 mark)
ii Give two responses that can be initiated by the cerebrum under cold
conditions as examples. (2 marks)
e The endocrine system is also involved in long-term regulation of body
temperature. Name one hormone involved and state how it helps regulate
the body temperature. (3 marks)
-- ans --
a In the skin 1m
In the hypothalamus 1m
b Hypothalamus 1m
c Contraction of erector muscles / reduced sweating / vasoconstriction (any 2)
1m x 2
d i Responses stated in c are involuntary, while responses initiated by the
cerebrum are voluntary. 1m
ii Wear more clothes / turn on the heater / take in more warm food or drinks.
(any 2 or other reasonable answers) 1m x 2
e Thyroxine 1m
More thyroxine is secreted by the thyroid gland when humans are exposed to low
temperature for a long time. 1m
Thyroxine increases the metabolic rate of most cells in the body, so that more heat
can be generated to keep the body warm. 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 62 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102309]
* The diagram below shows the rate of blood flow in the capillaries near the skin
surface at different external temperatures.

rate of blood flow in the capillaries

(arbitrary unit)

5 10 15 20 25 30
external temperature (°C)

a Describe one response of the skin that increases the rate of blood flow in the
capillaries when the external temperature is above 30°C. (2 marks)
b What is the significance of this response to the body? (2 marks)
c Temperature regulation is under the nervous control of the body. Describe
the nervous pathway that leads to the response stated in a. (4 marks)
-- ans --
a The arterioles in the skin dilate / vasodilation of arterioles occurs. 1m
Less blood flows through the shunt vessels and more blood flows to the capillaries.
1m
b As more blood flows near the skin surface, 1m
more heat can be lost to the surroundings by conduction, convection and radiation.
1m
c A rise in blood temperature is detected by thermoreceptors in the hypothalamus. / A
rise in skin temperature is detected by thermoreceptors in the skin. 1m
The thermoreceptors send nerve impulses to the thermoregulatory centre in the
hypothalamus. 1m
The heat loss centre is stimulated. 1m
It sends nerve impulses to the muscles on the wall of arterioles in the skin to initiate
vasodilation. 1m

-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 63 -

New Senior Secondary Mastering Biology E1: Chapter 2
Question Bank Structured questions

[E102310]
* Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature of the patient

falls below 35°C. The symptoms include shivering, pale skin, slow breath and
heart rate, and loss of coordination. To prevent hypothermia, we should wear
enough clothes, take in enough food, keep away from windy places, keep our
body dry, and never drink alcoholic drinks under cold conditions.

a Why does the skin look pale when the body temperature is low? (2 marks)
b What is the importance of shivering when the body temperature is low?
(1 mark)
c Explain why we should do the following to prevent hypothermia.
i Keep away from windy places. (1 mark)
ii Keep the body dry. (1 mark)
d Alcohol can cause dilation of blood vessels. Explain why drinking alcoholic
drinks may speed up the onset of hypothermia. (3 marks)
-- ans --
a The arterioles in the skin constrict. / Vasoconstriction of arterioles occurs. 1m
Less blood flows to the capillaries near the skin surface, thus the skin looks pale.
1m
b Shivering generates extra heat to keep the body warm. 1m
c i Wind can speed up heat loss from the body by convection. 1m
ii Evaporation of water from the skin absorbs heat from the body surface.
1m
d Alcohol in alcoholic drinks can cause dilation of arterioles in the skin. 1m
More blood flows to the capillaries near the skin surface. 1m
More heat is lost from the blood to the environment through conduction,
convection and radiation. 1m
-- ans end --

© Oxford University Press 2011 - 64 -