10B: Adaptations to cold environments Flashcards
Challenges of cold environments?
- Low temperature
- Piercing winds
- Low nutrient availability
- Snow/rain
Structural adaptations of cold environments?
- Thick insulation
- Low SA:V ratio
Physiological adaptations for cold environments?
- Endotherms
- Torpor (state which the metabolism of animal is reduced to conserve energy)
- Hibernation
- Brumation
- Vasoconstriction
- Countercurrent circulation
Behavioral adaptations for cold environments?
- Reduce SA (curling up)
- Huddling
- Seek shelter
- Migrating to warm climate
Why is thick insulation important in cold environments?
Provides maximum protection against heat release
Why is a low SA:V ratio important in cold environments?
An animal will release heat more slowly, increasing the time taken for body temp to drop (better to be spherical)
What is torpor?
A physiological state in which the metabolism of an animal is reduced to conserve energy
What is hibernation?
Prolonged torpor, in response to seasonal cold conditions (occurs in endotherms - mammals, birds)
What is brumation?
Prolonged torpor in response to seasonal cold conditions (occurs in ectotherms - snakes, lizards)
What is countercurrent circulation?
Efficient heat transfer method where separate components of the circulatory system flow next to each other in opposite ways (cools blood heading to outer surface, and heat blood heading back to core)
Why does huddling help with survival in cold environments?
Reducing SA:V ratio
What are advantages to hibernation?
- low metabolic rate - conserves energy
- not active when food is scarce
- energy not wasted in maintaining internal body temp
