What is the term for the ability to sense changes in the environment and respond to them?

What is the term for the ability to sense changes in the environment and respond to them?

• A. Responsiveness
• B. Metabolism
• C. Digestion
• D. Excretion

Answer: (A)

Responsiveness is the term for the ability to sense changes in the environment and respond to them. Receptors detect stimuli such as temperature, light, or touch, and the nervous system coordinates an appropriate action, which helps maintain homeostasis. An everyday example is pulling your hand away from a hot surface—the sensory nerves detect heat and trigger a rapid motor response. This concept is distinct from metabolism (all chemical processes in the body), digestion (breaking down food), and excretion (removing wastes).

Responsiveness is the term for the ability to sense changes in the environment and respond to them. Receptors detect stimuli such as temperature, light, or touch, and the nervous system coordinates an appropriate action, which helps maintain homeostasis. An everyday example is pulling your hand away from a hot surface—the sensory nerves detect heat and trigger a rapid motor response. This concept is distinct from metabolism (all chemical processes in the body), digestion (breaking down food), and excretion (removing wastes).