Acclimatization
Definition
Acclimatization is the process by which an organism adjusts to changes in its environment over a short period. It involves physiological and sometimes behavioral changes that help maintain homeostasis.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Acclimatization allows animals to survive in varying environmental conditions by adjusting their internal processes.
- It typically occurs over days to weeks, unlike adaptation which occurs over generations.
- Common examples include humans acclimatizing to high altitudes or animals adjusting to seasonal temperature changes.
- Mechanisms involved can include changes in heart rate, metabolic rate, and hormone levels.
- Acclimatization helps organisms maintain homeostasis by ensuring their internal environment remains stable despite external fluctuations.
Review Questions
- What is the primary purpose of acclimatization in animals?
- How does acclimatization differ from adaptation?
- Can you provide an example of how acclimatization helps maintain homeostasis?
"Acclimatization" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (1)
Related terms
Homeostasis: The process by which organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.
Adaptation: Long-term evolutionary adjustments in populations that enhance survival and reproduction in specific environments.
Thermoregulation: The process through which animals regulate their body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is different.
