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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best explains why mammals are able to survive in the tundra despite its extreme climate?
A
Mammals rely solely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
B
Mammals have adaptations such as thick fur and fat layers that help them conserve heat.
C
Mammals only live in tropical regions where temperatures are stable.
D
Mammals cannot survive in the tundra because they are cold-blooded.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the problem. The question asks why mammals can survive in the tundra, an extreme environment characterized by cold temperatures. The goal is to identify the correct explanation based on biological principles.
Step 2: Analyze the options. Evaluate each statement to determine its accuracy based on what you know about mammalian adaptations and thermoregulation.
Step 3: Recall the concept of endothermy. Mammals are endothermic (warm-blooded), meaning they can regulate their body temperature internally through metabolic processes, rather than relying solely on external heat sources.
Step 4: Consider specific adaptations. Mammals in the tundra often have physical adaptations such as thick fur, fat layers (blubber), and compact body shapes to minimize heat loss and conserve energy in cold climates.
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options. Mammals do not rely solely on external heat sources, do not only live in tropical regions, and are not cold-blooded. The correct explanation is that mammals have adaptations like thick fur and fat layers to conserve heat, enabling them to survive in the tundra.