W12 L1 Flashcards
How do endotherms regulate body temperature?
using metabolic heat
what type of thermoregulation is the ability to maintain a steady body temperature independent of ambient temperature?
homeothermy
What is the advantage of homeothermic endothermy?
- constant body temp despite env temp
- active even when ext temp is cool
- sustain vigorous activity
- able to live in cooler habitats
what are the disadvantages of homeothermic endothermy?
- energy expensive, must eat more to compensate
- less energy spent on growth and repair
- increases susceptibility to thermal stress because enzymes function in a narrow range
Why do small animals have a harder time maintaining a set point temperature?
because they have a high surface are to volume ratio
What happens to the genes of animals when they huddle together for warmth?
genes for regulating temperature evolve even faster
What are turbinates?
thin bones of the nasal passage covered in nasal muscosa tissue and a network of small veins and arteries
what is the purpose of turbinates?
provide surface area for a counter-current heat exchange system
What does elephants flapping their ear accomplish?
mainly draws blood into the ears where it is cooled by vasodilation
What is torpor?
controlled temporary state of hypothermia
in terms of hibernation, what is called when large species eat large amounts of food and storing energy as fat?
hyperphagy
What is the only known endothermic fish?
the opah
which regions of the opah are above environmental temperature?
entire body core
pectoral swimming musculature, viscera, and heart
cranial region
How does the opah swim?
using its pectoral fins
what is the source of the metabolic heat used by the opah to maintain a constant body temperature?
the heavy musculature of the pectoral region which is also insulated by a dense layer of fatty connective tissue
