Endotherms and Ectotherms

Question 1

What is an ectotherm

Answer 1

Organisms that are not able to control their body temperatures so rely on external sources of heat
Example: Crocodile, Lizard

Question 2

What is an endotherm

Answer 2

Heat generated internally
Higher respiration rate as a result
Example: Human, Mouse

Question 3

Behavioural responses of ectotherm to reduce temperature

Answer 3

Lie in sun-basking
Muscle contract once heated to generate more heat
Burrows reduce heat loss and prevent them from getting too hot

Question 4

Advantages of not controlling body temp as an ectotherm

Answer 4

Less food used in respiration
More energy gained from food can be converted to growth or biomass
Less food required as a result
Survive longer without food

Question 5

How do endotherms control their body temperature

Answer 5

Constant monitoring of temperature using receptors
Peripheral receptors to monitor external temps
Thermo receptors in brain to monitor core temp

Question 6

Disadvantages of not controlling body temperature as an ectotherm

Answer 6

Less active in cooler temperatures
Open to predation
Cannot take advantage of food when cold

Question 7

Where are effectors located

Answer 7

skin
muscles
blood veseels
liver

Question 8

What do erector pili muscles do

Answer 8

contract to make the hair stand up or relax to make them lie flat
Traps blanket of air to keep body warm