Temperature control/regulation

Question 1

Define endothermy

Answer 1

Body temperatures being maintained internally

Question 2

Define heterothermy

Answer 2

The maintenance of a stable body temperature despite external changes in temperature

Question 3

What is regional heterothermy?

Answer 3

Keeping the core temperature higher than other regions, mainly limbs

Question 4

What is temporal heterothermy?

Answer 4

Modifying body temperature in response to fluctuations in daily or seasonal environmental temperatures

Question 5

What are the three key benefits of endothermy?

Answer 5

1. Can sustain high levels of activity
2. Can be active in an array of temperature extremes
3. Freed from dependence on sunlight, allowing mammals to be nocturnal and active through all seasons

Question 6

What is the upper and lower critical temperature?

Answer 6

Upper - above this temperature, metabolic work is needed to dissipate heat
Lower - below this temperature, the balance between heat lost to the environment and metabolic heat production cannot be maintained

Question 7

What is the thermoneutral zone?

Answer 7

Within this zone, little or no energy is expended on temperature regulation

Question 8

In what ways can mammals cope with the cold? (5)

Answer 8

Evolve a large body size, increase insulation, behavioral thermoregulation, increase metabolic heat production, abandon normal body temperature and allow hypothermia

Question 9

What methods of water conservation do mammals display? (5)

Answer 9

Kidney function - re-absorption and concentration
Gut function - re-absorption from faeces
Lactation - milk concentration
Respiration - water exchange
Metabolic water