Control and Coordination

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As the complexity of the individuals, plants or animals increases the different cells and organs become separated from each other by a greater distance. Thus it becomes necessary to have a system by which the different parts of the organisms can function as a single unit. This is possible only if the different parts can coordinate with each other and carry out a particular function.

To carry out a simple function such as picking up an object from the ground there has to be coordination of the eyes, hands, legs and the vertebral column. The eyes have to focus on the object, the hands have to pick it up and grasp it, the legs have to bend and so does the backbone (vertebral column). All these actions have to be coordinated in such a manner that they follow a particular sequence and the action is completed. A similar mechanism is also needed for internal functions of the body.

The individuals also have to adjust to the changing conditions around them and vary their responses. At the same time, the internal conditions of the body should be maintained constant. This is called homeostasis. Homeostasis is derived from 'homeo' meaning same and 'stasis' meaning standing still. The internal conditions of the body are maintained at a constant by controlling the physiology of the organism. Just as in animals, plants also have to control and coordinate their various functions.