5.1.3- Temperature control in ectotherms

Question 1

What is an ectotherm

Answer 1

An organism that relies on external sources of heat to maintain body temperature.

Question 2

What is an endotherm

Answer 2

An organism that uses heat from metabolic reactions to maintain body temperature.

Question 3

How do ectotherms change their internal temperature?

Answer 3

Through behavioral mechanisms.

Question 4

What are some ways in which ectotherms may warm themselves up? (3 Points)

Answer 4

1) Moving into a sunny area
2) Lie on a warm surface
3) Expose a large surface area to the sun

Question 5

What are some ways in which ectotherms may cool themselves down? (3 Points)

Answer 5

1) Move out of the sun
2) Move underground
3) Reduce the body surface exposed to the sun

Question 6

What behavioural adaptions does a snake have, and what benefit does it have from doing so?

Answer 6

Basks in the sun and the benefit of this is that it absorbs heat directly from the sun.

Question 7

What are some advantages of ectothermy? (4 Points)

Answer 7

1) Less of their food is used in respiration
2) More of the energy and nutrients gained from food can be converted to growth
3) They need to find less food
4) They can survive for long periods without food

Question 8

What are some disadvantages of ectothermy?

Answer 8

1) Less active in cooler temperature -> risk from predators