thermoregulation in reptiles and amphibians Flashcards
(20 cards)
what is ectothermy
relying on external heat sources to regulate body temperature
what is heliothermy
basking in the sun to absorb radiant heat
what is thigmothermy
gaining heat via contact with warm surfaces
what is mosaic basking
partially exposing body to reduce predation while heating
what is the role of colour change in thermoregulation
dark colours absorb heat, lighter reflect it
what is the function of parietal eyes
detect light for seasonal rhythms, not direct thermal control
what gland may influence thermoregulation via hormones
pineal gland (melatonin secretion)
how do desert reptiles cool themselves
evaporation through gaping or panting
what is heart rate hysteresis
faster heart rate when warming, slower when cooling
how do crocodiles use shunting
redirect blood flow during heating/cooling or digestion
what happens to reptiles in low oxygen environments
select lower body temperatures to reduce demand
what is TRP ion channels
thermosensitive proteins controlling heat perception
what is mesothermy
generating some internal heat without full endothermy
which reptiles show facultative endothermy
pythons and tegus
what is the main thermoregulatory challenge for amphibians
maintaining water balance due to permeable skin
how do amphibians cool themselves
via evaporative water loss
what is the preferred temperature order among amphibians
arboreal>terrestrial>aquatic
what are the main advantages of ectothermy
low energy cost, water conservation, diverse habitats
why is the ectotherm/endotherm divide too simplistic
many reptiles blur the lines with partial or context dependant heat generation
what are the main disadvantages of ectothermy
vulnerability to environmental temperature changes
