Thermoregulation Essay

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was then found that local differences were present, since heat production and heat loss vary considerably in different parts of the body, although the circulation of the blood tends to bring about a mean temperature of the internal parts. Hence it is important to identify the parts of the body that most closely reflect the temperature of the internal organs. Also, for such results to be comparable, the measurements must be conducted under comparable conditions. The rectum has traditionally been considered to reflect most accurately the temperature of internal parts, or in some cases of sex or species, the vagina, uterus or bladder.

Occasionally the temperature of the urine as it leaves the urethra may be of use. More often the temperature is taken in the mouth, axilla, ear or groin.

Contents

1 Classification of animals by thermal characteristics
1.1 Endothermy versus Ectothermy
1.1.1 Ectotherms
1.1.1.1 Ectothermic cooling
1.1.1.2 Ectothermic heating (or minimizing heat ...

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be divided into two types of thermoregulators, endotherms and ectotherms. Endotherms create most of their heat via metabolic processes, and are colloquially referred to as warm-blooded. Ectotherms temperature comes mostly from the environment.

Ectotherms

Main article: Ectotherm

Ectothermic cooling



Seeking shade is one method of cooling. Here Sooty Tern chicks are using a Black-footed Albatross chick for shade.
Vaporization:
Getting wet in a river, lake or sea.
Convection:
Climbing to lower ground from trees, into valleys, burrows, etc.
Entering a cold water or air current.
Building a nest that allows natural or generated air/water flow for cooling.
Conduction:
Lying ...

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