4. Temperature Regulation I Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the temperature effects from the environment on organisms called?
Thermal Environment
Refers to the influence of environmental temperature on an organism’s internal temperature.
What is conduction in the context of heat transfer?
The transfer of heat between two objects that are in physical contact
Conduction occurs directly through molecular interactions.
Define convection.
The transfer of heat by movement of a fluid (liquid or gas) against an object
Convection involves the bulk movement of fluid, which carries heat with it.
What is radiation in terms of heat detection?
Heat detected without contact or movement of air
Radiation allows heat transfer through electromagnetic waves.
What is the only way to transfer heat when Environmental temperature is greater than Body temperature?
Evaporation
Evaporation involves converting liquid water to water vapor, absorbing heat in the process.
What is a thermoconformer?
An organism that does not control its internal state and conforms to the environmental temperature
Body Temperature equals Ambient/Environmental Temperature.
What defines a thermoregulator?
An organism that controls its internal state and regulates against thermal gradients
Can lose and gain heat as required.
What characterizes poikilothermic organisms?
Their body temperature can change with the environment
Poikilotherms rely heavily on external temperatures.
What does homeothermic mean?
An organism has a mostly stable body temperature despite changes in the environment
Homeotherms maintain internal temperature through various mechanisms.
How do ectotherms primarily gain heat?
From the environment
Ectotherms rely on external heat sources for thermoregulation.
What is the primary source of heat for endotherms?
Metabolic processes
Endotherms generate heat internally, allowing for more stable body temperatures.
What is metabolic rate?
The measure of the total energy used by an animal per unit of time
Metabolic rate is crucial for understanding energy demands.
Define anabolism.
The assembly of simple compounds into complex molecules required by the organism
Anabolism is associated with growth and storage processes.
What is catabolism?
The breakdown of complex energy-rich molecules into simpler molecules
Catabolic reactions produce energy for work or heat loss.
What is basal metabolic rate (BMR)?
Energy required to maintain basic biological functions independent of activity
BMR does not include energy for digestion or physiological stressors.
What does routine metabolic rate refer to?
The energy required for normal activity
This rate encompasses everyday functions and behaviors.
What is active metabolic rate?
The energy required to perform specific levels of activity
This rate increases with the intensity of physical activities.
Define maximum metabolic rate.
The energy required to fuel the maximum level of activity
This rate indicates the upper limit of an organism’s energy expenditure.
What is metabolic scope?
The difference between BMR and MMR
This scope indicates the energy available for growth, digestion, and locomotion.
