Homeostasis
Homeostasis is a mechanism that allows organisms to maintain stable internal conditions (Reece 2014). The capability to perform homeostasis is essential for the survival of all organisms. Homeostatic mechanisms include a range of responses that regulate internal imbalances, including body temperature. A vital component of homeostasis is known as thermoregulation, the process of maintaining temperatures within a normal range (Reece 2014). When ambient temperatures change, animals must control their body temperature. Animals are separated into two groups, ectotherms and endotherms, based on how their body temperature is maintained (Pack 2013).
Most of the animals living today are ectothermic. Ectothermic vertebrates include fish, reptiles, and …show more content…
Two processes allow organisms to gain heat: metabolism of food and absorption of solar energy. In a previous experiment, food was heated up to experimental temperature and fed to lizards. The lizards were then placed in a metabolic chamber, and measurements were taken for elevated metabolism at 35 degrees Celsius. An hour later, measurements were taken again at 24-26 degrees Celsius. Minimal endothermy was determined in both experiments (Bennett 2000). The three sub factors of solar energy absorption include convection, conduction, and radiation. Convection is a continuous circulation of liquid or air that transfers thermal energy from hot to cold surfaces (Reece 2014). The process of heat gain is evident when blood transfers heat from the core of an organism’s body to the extremities (Reece 2014). Conduction transfers heat between substances that are in direct contact (Reece 2014). When a substance is heated, particles gain energy and tend to vibrate more often. These molecules then bump into nearby particles and transfer heat energy. As this process continues, heat is passed from the hot end of a substance to the cool end. The process of conduction transfers heat to a lizard’s body when the animal rests on a hot rock (Reece 2014). The method of radiation does not depend on contact between the heat source and the heated object. A mass or medium is not required for this type of heat transfer. Radiation is the heat absorbed from sunlight (Reece 2014). This occurs through the transfer of electromagnetic waves that are emitted from the
Most of the animals living today are ectothermic. Ectothermic vertebrates include fish, reptiles, and …show more content…
Two processes allow organisms to gain heat: metabolism of food and absorption of solar energy. In a previous experiment, food was heated up to experimental temperature and fed to lizards. The lizards were then placed in a metabolic chamber, and measurements were taken for elevated metabolism at 35 degrees Celsius. An hour later, measurements were taken again at 24-26 degrees Celsius. Minimal endothermy was determined in both experiments (Bennett 2000). The three sub factors of solar energy absorption include convection, conduction, and radiation. Convection is a continuous circulation of liquid or air that transfers thermal energy from hot to cold surfaces (Reece 2014). The process of heat gain is evident when blood transfers heat from the core of an organism’s body to the extremities (Reece 2014). Conduction transfers heat between substances that are in direct contact (Reece 2014). When a substance is heated, particles gain energy and tend to vibrate more often. These molecules then bump into nearby particles and transfer heat energy. As this process continues, heat is passed from the hot end of a substance to the cool end. The process of conduction transfers heat to a lizard’s body when the animal rests on a hot rock (Reece 2014). The method of radiation does not depend on contact between the heat source and the heated object. A mass or medium is not required for this type of heat transfer. Radiation is the heat absorbed from sunlight (Reece 2014). This occurs through the transfer of electromagnetic waves that are emitted from the