Thermal Conductivity Of Water

Question 1

Why is the high thermal conductivity of water an issue for marine endotherms?

Answer 1

High levels of heat loss occurs due to endotherms maintaining a high body temperature and this heat being pulled away from their warm bodies in cold water.
Challenges their ability to maintain a stable, warm body temperature and risks causing issues if they cannot do so (e.g., hyperthermia)

Question 2

What adaptations do pinnipeds have to overcome the issue of thermal conductivity in water?

Answer 2

They have reduced extremities so that they have less surface area to lose heat too and retains heat better
They have blubber (phocids) and thick fur (earred seals)
They also have counter-current heat exchange in their flippers which allows them to push warm blood from their core to the surface to lose heat and vice versa

Question 3

How do sea snakes deal with the thermoregulatory challenges?

Answer 3

They live in warm waters