Thermoregulation in ectotherms

• What is meant by the phrase "thermoregulation"?

  It refers to the maintenance of optimum body temperature.
• Why is thermoregulation important?

  It is important to maintain optimum body temperature.
• What is the effect of exothermic chemical reactions on heat?

  They cause organisms to lose heat.
• How does latent heat of evaporation affect heat in organisms?

  It causes organisms to lose heat.
• What is radiation in the context of heat transfer?

  It is the transmission of heat from the surface of an organism.
• How does convection contribute to heat transfer?

  It involves currents of air or water that carry heat away from an organism.
• What role does conduction play in heat transfer?

  It is the transfer of heat through direct contact with a surface.
• What is meant by the term "ectotherm"?

  Ectotherms are animals whose core temperature is heavily dependent on their surroundings.
• Can you give some examples of ectotherms?

  Examples include all invertebrate animals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
• Why do ectotherms that live in water have no real need to thermoregulate?

  The high heat capacity of water means that the temperature of their environment does not change much.
• What does the high heat capacity of water imply for ectotherms?

  It implies that it takes a lot of energy to heat up a large volume of water.
• How does the movement of water molecules affect temperature regulation in ectotherms?

  The movement of water molecules means that temperature changes slowly in water.
• Why do ectotherms that live on land or in the air need to use thermoregulation?

  To maintain their body temperature for optimal metabolic function.
• Why do ectotherms sometimes need to warm their bodies before they can become active?

  Because metabolic reactions do not happen fast enough for them to be active at lower temperatures.
• What are some examples of behavioral responses in ectotherms for thermoregulation?

  • Lizards basking in the sun to warm up.
  • Butterflies and locusts spreading their wings for sun exposure.
  • Frilled-neck lizards extending their "frills" to absorb heat.
  • Animals pressing their bodies flat on sun-warmed rocks.
  • Galapagos iguanas contracting muscles and vibrating to generate heat.
  • Moths, butterflies, and boas vibrating their wings before flight.
  • Lizards hiding in cracks or burrows to avoid heat.
  • Animals pressing against shaded rocks to cool down.
  • Moving into water or mud to regulate body temperature.
• What is the purpose of lizards basking in the sun?

  To get warm enough to move fast and be active.
• How do Galapagos iguanas warm themselves?

  By contracting their muscles and vibrating.
• What do moths, butterflies, and boas do before they fly?

  They vibrate their wings to warm up.
• Why do animals press their bodies against rocks in the shade?

  To cool down and reduce their body temperature.
• What is the reason for ectotherms moving into water or mud?

  To increase their metabolism and regulate body temperature.
• What is the consequence of core temperature reaching a point where enzymes begin to denature?

  It can lead to reduced metabolic rate and potential harm to the organism.
• What are the methods ectotherms use for thermoregulation and their mechanisms?

  • Basking in the sun: Radiation
  • Pressing against warm rocks: Conduction
  • Hiding in shade: Convection
  • Moving into water or mud: Convection
  • Vibrating wings: Conduction