Question

The average temperature of human body is
A. 30.5 ˚C
B. 36.9 ˚C
C. 98.6 ˚F
D. 97.4 ˚C

Answer 1

Hint:- Temperature is an important environmental factor that affects the enzyme kinetic, basal metabolic activities and the physiological functions of the organisms. It is important to maintain constant body temperature for the proper functioning of the body.

Complete step-by-step solution:-
- All birds and mammals and a very few lower vertebrates and invertebrates species are capable of thermoregulation i.e. maintenance of a constant body temperature. Their body temperature does not vary with the external temperature.
- For example, humans maintain a constant body temperature of 37 degrees centigrade or 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
- This constant body temperature of the body is maintained through homeostasis.
- For example, when we exercise, there is heat production in the body and the body temperature rises which gets detected by the nerve sensors present in the body and the temperature control system in the brain is activated. It then activates sweat glands that help in bringing the body temperature back to normal.
Additional information:
Based on their tolerance to temperatures, animals are classified into two types- homeothermic and poikilothermic animals.
Homeothermic animals- The animals that have their body temperatures constant are called warm blooded. They are also known as homoithermal or endothermic animals or simply homeotherms.
Poikilothermic animals- The animals whose body temperature fluctuates with the environment are called poikilotherms or cold blooded animals. They are also called exothermic animals or poikilotherms. Lower vertebrates and invertebrates are included in this category.
So the correct answer is option 4. 97.4 ˚C.

Note:- Human beings and other animals need the appropriate machinery for carrying on metabolic activities which must be self-regulating so as to maintain a balanced state within an organism. This machinery is called homeostasis.