Thermoregulation

Question 1

What is thermoregulation?

Answer 1

The maintenance of a constant internal body temperature
The ability of an organism to maintain its body temperature within boundaries

Question 2

What would happen if thermoregulation isn’t achieved?

Answer 2

Too hot - Hyperthermia, heat stroke
Too cold - Hypothermia

Question 3

What is an Ectotherm?

Answer 3

Animals that primarily gain heat through the environment. Controls temperature through external means
(Reptiles, amphibians and fish)

Question 4

What is an Exotherm?

Answer 4

Animal that primarily produces its own heat.
Controls temperature internally
(Mammals and birds)

Question 5

What is a Poikilotherm?

Answer 5

Regulates temperature through behaviour only, matches that of the external environment
(Ectotherm)

Question 6

What is a Homeotherm?

Answer 6

Maintaining a constant temperature regardless of the environment
(Exotherm)

Question 7

What is Vasodilation in blood vessels?

Answer 7

Animals in warmer climates have larger surface areas so more blood vessels on body surface.
When hot these vessels dilate to widen and increase blood flow.
Results in heat radiating and skin turns a dark pink colour

Question 8

What is Vasoconstriction in blood vessels?

Answer 8

Animals in colder climates have a larger body mass to retain heat and less blood vessels on the surface.
When cold the skin capillaries constrict to narrow and reduce blood flow
Results in less heat loss and skin being a pale pink colour