5.1.3 - temperature Control in ECTOTHERMS

• what are ectotherms?

  an organism that relies on external sources of heat to maintain body temperature
• what is the temperature control in ectotherms?

  -> once ectotherms are active their muscle contractions will generate some heat from increased respiration
• what are the behavioural responses in ectotherms?

  • move to/away from sunny area
  • lie on warm surfaces
  • increase/decrease surface area exposed to the sun
  • more underground
• advantages of ectotherms?

  • need less food and survive for long periods without it
  • more nutrients used for growth instead of respiration
• disadvantages of ectotherms?

  • less active at cooler temperatures
  • cannot take advanatage of food available while cold.
• examples of ectotherms

  • Ectotherms include most reptiles