Living Environment Regents Practice Test

What biological process is illustrated by blood vessels enlarging and sweat glands excreting sweat to lower body temperature?

1. Differentiation

2. Homeostasis

3. Production of energy

4. Evolutionary adaptation

The correct answer is: Homeostasis

The biological process illustrated by blood vessels enlarging and sweat glands excreting sweat to lower body temperature is homeostasis. Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions. When the body's temperature rises, such as on a hot day or during exercise, mechanisms are triggered to cool it down and restore equilibrium. The dilation of blood vessels (vasodilation) allows more blood to flow near the surface of the skin, facilitating heat loss. Simultaneously, sweat glands produce sweat, which evaporates on the skin's surface, providing a cooling effect. Together, these actions work to regulate body temperature, reflecting the process of homeostasis in action. Differentiation pertains to the process by which cells develop into different types, production of energy is related to metabolic processes, and evolutionary adaptation involves long-term changes in species over generations. None of these options directly relate to the immediate regulatory actions taken by the body to maintain temperature balance.