Final answer:
When a deer sees a wolf, it releases adrenaline, initiating fight-or-flight responses like increased heart rate and greater oxygen intake, which help it to run away more effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a deer spots a predator, such as a wolf, it releases a hormone known as adrenaline (also called epinephrine). This hormone activates the deer's fight-or-flight response, which is part of the autonomic nervous system. The surge of adrenaline causes several physiological changes:
Increase in heart rate to pump more blood to muscles, enhancing delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Dilation of the bronchi in the lungs, allowing for greater oxygen intake.
Dilation of the pupils for improved vision.
Dilation of blood vessels in skeletal muscles, improving blood flow and thus muscle performance.
Mobilization of energy stores, converting glycogen to glucose in the liver for sudden energy bursts.
These changes prepare the deer to run away quickly and efficiently from the wolf, enhancing its chances of survival.