OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which process is involved in raising body temperature through muscle activity?

1. Perspiration

2. Shivering

3. Vasodilation

4. Homeostasis

The correct answer is: Shivering

The process of shivering is primarily responsible for raising body temperature through muscle activity. When the body is cold, involuntary contractions and relaxations of skeletal muscles occur, which generates heat as a byproduct of muscle metabolism. This process increases overall body temperature and helps to counteract the effects of cold environments. In contrast, perspiration is a cooling mechanism that helps to lower body temperature through evaporation of sweat. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which can lead to increased blood flow and heat loss from the body rather than an increase in temperature. Homeostasis is a broad term that describes the maintenance of stable internal conditions, including temperature regulation, but does not specifically refer to the muscle activity involved in raising temperature. Therefore, shivering is the correct answer as it directly involves muscle movement to generate heat.