Thermal Physiology Flashcards
What does temperature affect
Macromolecule structure and chemical physiology
What must organisms survive within
Within the highest and lowest temps in their environments
Also known as the ambient temperature
How is body temperature controlled
By transferring heat between the organism and environment
What is thermal
Heat of a given organism
How is the heat of the organism determined
Heat produced + heat in the environment- heat out to environment
What is the main source of heat in an organism
Metabolism which is the sum of all chemical reactions in the body
What is conduction
Transfer of heat from one region to another
Standing on a cold floor and the floor heating up
What is convection
The transfer of heat from an object to external fluid
Losing heat to the air
Dependent on a thermal gradient
What is radiation
Emission of electromagnetic energy
What is evaporation
Water molecules change from liquid to gas
Sweating
What does fouriers law describe
Conduction rate or heat flux
Do all organisms have the same conductance and why is this important
No, different conductivities play a role in an organisms behavior
Where does radiant energy come from and what does it control
Comes from the sun
Warming of an organism controlled by radiation
Stefan Boltzmann equation describes heat loss through radiation
What elements fluctuate heat transfer and how
Increase temp means more heat transfer
Increase in distance decreases heat transfer
Increase in conductivity increases heat transfer
What is heat loss dependent on
Volume of water and its heat vaporization
Salt increase heat of vaporization so more heat is lost in sweat than pure water
Do large or small animals lose heat more slowly
Large animals because they have a low surface area of volume ratio and they are better at retaining heat
What is Bergman’s rule
Animals in cold environments tend to be larger than animals in warm environments
This is not always true
Usually applies to mammals and birds
What is Allen’s rule
Animals in colder environments have shorter extremities than those in warmer environments which reduces surface area or body size ratio
Applies to mammals and birds
Why is insulation important
It increases the distance between the thermal gradient which makes it more difficult to lose heat
What is poikilothermy
Unstable body temps
Usually amphibians, reptiles, and fish
Most are ectotherms
What is homeothermy
Stable body temps
Usually birds and mammals
Most are endotherms
What is endothermy and ectothermy
Endothermy is source of heat inside the body, internal heat generated to maintain body heat
Ectothermy is source of heat outside the body, environment usually determines body temp
What is a eurytherm
Can tolerate wide range of ambient temps
What is stenotherm
Can tolerate narrow range of ambient temps
