Final answer:
The false statement regarding our perception and response to temperature is that our body temperature remains constant; it actually varies around a set point. The body has mechanisms to maintain temperature, such as sweating and shivering, and extreme temperature exposures can result in conditions like hypothermia and heatstroke. Humidity also affects our temperature perception. Option a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is false regarding our perception and response to temperature is a) Our body temperature remains constant. Though the body strives to maintain a stable internal temperature, it does not remain completely constant but varies around a set point, often referred to as the normal body temperature of 37°C (98.6°F). Various factors, including physical activity, metabolic rate, and external environment, can influence these variations.
Our bodies react through several mechanisms to maintain temperature homeostasis. For example, when we are too hot, sweat is produced and blood vessels dilate to release excess heat. Conversely, in response to cold, the body reduces blood flow to the extremities and may initiate shivering to generate heat. If the body cannot maintain its temperature within the narrow range necessary for proper enzyme function, it may lead to serious conditions like hypothermia or heatstroke.
Additionally, factors like humidity can affect the efficiency of sweating and, consequently, our perception of temperature. High humidity decreases the evaporation of sweat, limiting the body's cooling mechanism and making us feel hotter than we would on a dry, hot day.