Compare/Contrast Informational - Grade 11

A blisteringly hot summer afternoon or a bitterly cold winter morning may feel like quite different environments, but they share a common factor: severe danger. Temperature extremes on both ends of the thermometer carry inherent risks to all living creatures. Many animal species follow their instincts and know when to seek shelter or hibernate. Human beings are not always as intuitive, and decide to challenge nature's seasonal threats. Unfortunately, Mother Nature is often the true victor in these situations.

Exposure to extreme heat, whether due to a powerful sun, or to the intense temperatures inside buildings, can result in everything from relatively mild heat exhaustion to the potentially fatal heat stroke. A number of internal and external factors impact how people cope with extreme heat. For example, age, weight, medical conditions, clothing, and the type of work being done can all affect a person's ability to tolerate high temperatures. The issue can be further complicated if there is high humidity or a lack of adequate air circulation.

Exposure to extreme cold is also quite threatening. Frostbite, especially to extremities such as fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes, is a danger. The greatest risk is hypothermia, in which the body loses its ability to warm itself. Without medical attention, it can be lethal. Dealing with the cold is additionally difficult if there is a strong wind or any type of precipitation.

Protection against extreme weather conditions is simple if people are educated about the risks. Knowing what symptoms to watch for, what clothing to wear - or not wear, and when to seek medical help is what keeps the temperature part of nature rather than a menace.