Final answer:
The nervous system is responsible for processing and understanding both external and internal stimuli in animals. It gathers information through sensory receptors, processes it in the brain, and coordinates responses across the body to maintain homeostasis and support survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Nervous System's Role
The organ system that allows for the processing and understanding of external and internal stimuli is the nervous system. This system is essential for an animal's survival as it enables the detection, transmission, and response to information. The nervous system interacts with all other organ systems to orchestrate coordinated responses, maintaining homeostasis. Sensory receptors are responsible for gathering information, which is then processed by the brain to determine how the body should respond, whether through movement, regulation of internal functions, or other actions.
For example, when a person sees a skateboarder heading in their direction, it's the nervous system that processes this visual information, and instructs the body to move out of the way to avoid a collision. Similarly, the nervous system plays a central role when students are learning; it processes the text they read and assimilates the knowledge for later retrieval.
According to AP® Biology, the nervous system is highlighted for its ability to detect both external and internal signals, integrate information, and generate appropriate responses. Animals rely on their nervous systems not only for learning and movement but also for the digestion of food and reacting to environmental stimuli such as light, sound, and touch.