Thermal Biology Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is thermal biology?
study of organismal heat budgets
What is required for protein budget?
optimal heat
What is the term for heat being derived from the environment?
ectotherms
What is the term for heat from metabolism?
endotherms
What is the term for little control of heat gain/loss?
poikilotherms
What is the term for the maximum control of heat gain/loss?
homeotherms
What is the term for organisms that do both endothermic and ectothermic at different times?
heterotherms
What are most organisms thermal biology type?
poikilothermic ectotherms
What are humans thermal biology?
homeothermic endotherms
What is an ambient temperature close to an ectotherms optimum?
eccritic temperature
What are sessile ectotherms restricted to?
favorable climatic zones (life zones)
What can motile ectotherms do that sessile cannot?
seek out (by moving) an eccritic temperature
ex) sun bathing or seeking shade
What is it called when a lizard goes between sun and shade?
behavioral homeothermy
What is thermal acclimation?
change in eccritic and thermal optimal temps
Fishes and amphibians have the fastest what?
thermal acclimation
What are two more physiological adjustments of ectotherms?
- restricted blood flow to skin if cold
- localized, tissue-specific heat production
What type of endotherm are large fishes?
non homeothermic
What type of endotherm are birds and mammals?
homeothermic
What are fur, fat, and feathers?
insulation
What type of thermal biology has high, variable metabolic rates?
endotherms
What type of thermal biology has an optimal body shape and what does this limit?
endotherms - limits heat gain/loss
How do endotherms obtain optimal body shape?
via behavior or architecture
What is Allen’s Rule?
mammals in colder regions have the shortest appendages
What is the reason for Allen’s Rule?
avoid heat loss
