Final answer:
Acclimatization involves physiological changes in the body to counteract environmental stresses, such as altitude changes and temperature variations, ensuring homeostasis. It includes increasing red blood cells at high altitudes and thermoregulation through sweating or coat changes in animals to maintain body temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acclimatization results in changes in the body in response to environmental stresses such as high or low temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation from the sunlight, or high altitude. For example, when an animal migrates to a higher altitude where there is a lower oxygen level, the body compensates by increasing the number of red blood cells to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues. This adjustment is a part of maintaining homeostasis, which is the body's ability to regulate its internal environment to maintain stable conditions despite external changes.
Exposure to extreme UV radiation can lead to the suppression of the immune system. These environmental stressors necessitate adaptations and physiological responses that are critical for survival. For instance, in response to cold, the body may activate thermoregulatory mechanisms such as shivering or changes in blood flow to conserve heat, while exposure to heat will trigger sweating to cool the body down.
It's important for the body to balance these stress responses adequately, as chronic stress can lead to negative health effects. This balance involves various systems and processes, such as the sweat response, seasonal coat changes in animals, or adjusting to high altitudes during acclimatization, which all work towards preserving optimal function and health in changing environments.