The interrelationship between body systems is responsible for maintaining homeostasis. An example of this is the way the digestive and respiratory systems rely on the circulatory system for transporting nutrients and oxygen within the body.

In order for the cells to function, it needs oxygen and nutrients. The respiratory system obtains oxygen, and the digestive system obtains nutrients from breaking down the food. In turn, the blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to the rest of the body.

Ectotherms maintain their body temperature with the help of the factors found in the external environment. Since they do not have body insulation features, they regulate their temperature by absorbing heat from the sun when the climate is cold and by using underground burrows to release heat when the climate is hot.

On the other hand, endotherms have the ability to regulate their body temperature internally. They have body insulation features, such as feathers, body fat, and hair, that help in conserving body heat when the climate is cold. When the temperature in the environment is hot, they either pant or sweat to release heat.

The answer is no. Since ectotherms are not able to regulate their body temperature internally, they usually thrive in environments that are fairly warm–not too hot and not too cold. This is the reason why most large reptiles and amphibians live in areas that have a tropical climate.

On the other hand, endotherms are found almost everywhere since they have the ability to control their body temperature internally. They can even be found in cold polar regions because they can conserve their body heat using their body insulation features.

When homeostasis is disrupted, the health of an organism is compromised. Homeostatic imbalance causes diseases that harm our body. Therefore, homeostasis must be maintained when the immune system fights off infection in order to heal and return the body into its normal condition.

Having a high metabolic rate help endotherms, such as birds and mammals, in regulating temperature because it generates heat to maintain stable body temperature. When the environment is cold, endotherms increase their metabolic rate to keep their bodies heated.