Research paper on Regulation of internal environment by animals using feedback systems
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Regulation of Internal Environment by Animals Using Feedback Systems
Abstract
Animals possess intricate mechanisms to regulate their internal environment, ensuring optimal physiological conditions for survival. This research paper investigates how animals employ feedback systems to maintain homeostasis and regulate their internal environment. By exploring the principles of feedback systems, the role of various physiological processes, and the significance of maintaining internal balance, this study aims to shed light on the sophisticated regulatory mechanisms employed by animals.
Introduction
The regulation of the internal environment, or homeostasis, is crucial for the survival and well-being of animals. Through feedback systems, animals can monitor and adjust various physiological parameters to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. This paper delves into the mechanisms by which animals regulate their internal environment using feedback systems, highlighting the importance of maintaining physiological balance for optimal functioning.
Feedback Systems in Animal Regulation
Feedback systems play a pivotal role in regulating the internal environment of animals:
1. Negative Feedback: The most common feedback mechanism in animals, negative feedback, helps maintain stability by counteracting deviations from a set point. For instance, in temperature regulation, when body temperature rises above a certain threshold, mechanisms like sweating and vasodilation are activated to lower temperature.
2. Positive Feedback: While less common, positive feedback amplifies deviations from a set point, often leading to rapid physiological changes. Examples include the release of oxytocin during childbirth to intensify contractions or the clotting cascade to stop bleeding.
3. Neuroendocrine Regulation: The nervous and endocrine systems work together to regulate various physiological functions in response to internal and external stimuli. For instance, the hypothalamus acts as a central regulator, integrating signals and orchestrating appropriate responses to maintain homeostasis.
Physiological Processes in Animal Regulation
Several physiological processes contribute to the regulation of the internal environment in animals:
1. Temperature Regulation: Animals employ mechanisms such as shivering, panting, or seeking shade to maintain body temperature within a narrow range suitable for metabolic processes.
2. Fluid Balance: Animals regulate fluid balance through processes like osmoregulation and excretion to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte levels.
3. Metabolic Regulation: Homeostasis of glucose, ions, and other metabolites is vital for energy production and cellular function, with feedback systems adjusting hormone levels and enzyme activity as needed.
Significance of Internal Balance Maintenance
Maintaining internal balance is critical for animals due to several reasons:
1. Survival: Homeostatic regulation ensures that vital physiological parameters remain within optimal ranges for cellular function and survival.
2. Adaptation: Animals can adapt to changing environmental conditions by adjusting their internal environment through feedback systems, enhancing their chances of survival in diverse habitats.
3. Health: Imbalances in internal regulation can lead to diseases or disorders, emphasizing the importance of feedback systems in safeguarding animal health and well-being.
Conclusion
The regulation of the internal environment by animals through feedback systems showcases the remarkable adaptability and resilience of biological organisms. By continuously monitoring and adjusting physiological parameters, animals can thrive in diverse environments and ensure their survival in the face of changing conditions. Understanding the intricacies of feedback systems in animal regulation provides insight into the sophisticated mechanisms that underpin physiological balance and adaptation in the animal kingdom.
