Problem 121 - Objective Biology for NEET

Question

Assertion: Frogs are said to be cold blooded. Reason: Their body temperature varies with the temperature of environment.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The statement 'Frogs are said to be cold blooded' is correct, and the reason 'their body temperature varies with the temperature of environment' is also correct. Thus the assertion and reason are correct and they are also correlated.

Step 1: Understanding Animal Body Temperature Characteristics

Frogs are ectothermic organisms, which is the scientific term for being 'cold-blooded'. These animals cannot regulate their body temperature internally and rely instead on environmental factors.

Step 2: Correlating to Frogs

The body temperature of frogs being influenced by the environment is a trait of being cold-blooded thus confirming the assertion.

Step 3: Confirming Assertion and Reason

The assertion and reason are aligned. Frogs are considered to be cold-blooded because their body temperature varies according to the environmental temperature which is characteristic of cold-blooded animals.

Key Concepts

Ectothermic Organisms

Ectothermic organisms, often referred to as cold-blooded animals, rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature. Unlike warm-blooded animals, which generate heat internally to maintain a stable body temperature, ectothermic creatures do not have such internal heating mechanisms. Instead, they depend on the warmth or coolness of their surroundings to achieve optimal body temperatures.
This dependency results in various behaviors to manage temperature needs, such as basking in the sun to increase warmth or seeking shade to cool down. This method helps these animals stay active and survive in different environments.
Examples of ectothermic organisms include reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish. Each of these animals has adapted to their specific environments, using behaviors and habitats to help regulate their internal temperatures effectively.

Animal Body Temperature Regulation

Animal body temperature regulation varies widely depending on whether the organism is ectothermic or endothermic. Ectothermic animals, as we have discussed, rely heavily on their surroundings to maintain body heat. These animals will often change locations, moving toward or away from heat sources to keep their body temperature balanced.
In contrast, endothermic animals, such as mammals and birds, maintain a consistent body temperature regardless of the external environment. These animals have developed complex physiological systems that allow them to produce and conserve heat, largely through metabolic processes.
Understanding the differences between these two types of body temperature regulation helps explain many animal behaviors and adaptations. While endotherms may expend energy to stay warm in cold environments, ectotherms conserve energy by matching their body temperature to the environment.

Frog Thermoregulation

Frog thermoregulation is a fascinating example of ectothermic behavior. As amphibians, frogs rely on their environment to regulate their bodily functions, including their temperature. This means that a frog's body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day, closely matching the temperature of the air or water around them.
When it's cool or cold, frogs may become less active, slowing their metabolism to conserve energy until temperatures rise again. In warmer conditions, frogs can be more active, with higher metabolism rates allowing them to hunt and move more efficiently.
To manage their body temperatures, frogs engage in behaviors like basking in sunlight or submerging in water, depending on what their body needs at the time. These habits enable frogs to survive across various climates, from tropical regions to temperate habitats. Their ability to adapt their activity levels and behaviors to their environment is a key aspect of their survival strategy.