In which phase of the general adaptation syndrome does the body utilize a significant amount of energy to cope with a stressor?

The correct response is based on the understanding of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), which describes the body’s physiological response to stress through three distinct phases: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

During the resistance phase, the body has already recognized the stressor and mobilized its resources to confront it. This phase is characterized by the body's effort to adapt to the ongoing stress. As the body continues to deal with the stressor, it undergoes various physiological changes to maintain a state of heightened alertness and energy. Hormones such as cortisol are released to help sustain energy levels for prolonged resistance to the stressor. The body expends significant energy during this time to counteract the effects of stress, enhance immune responses, and restore homeostasis.

In contrast, the alarm phase is where the body initially reacts to the stressor with a "fight or flight" response. The exhaustion phase occurs when the body's resources are depleted, leading to a breakdown in the physiological state and potentially resulting in adverse health effects. The recovery phase, while important, does not specifically denote a period of significant energy expenditure to cope with the stressor, but rather a time of restoration after having dealt with the stress.

Thus, understanding the dynamics of the GAS informs us that the