Simulated Thermoregulation in Endotherms and Ectotherms
Simulated thermoregulation in endotherms and ectotherms
Chris Prestridge
Shippensburg University
17 October 2012
Objectives: * To determine the effects of fat and/or fur on the thermal conductance of endotherms with a decreasing environmental temperature * To determine the effects of glycerol, antifreeze, and various concentrations of saline on freezing point depression
Null hypotheses: * Fat and fur have no direct relationship with thermal conductance. * Glycerol, antifreeze, and saline have no direct relationship with freezing point depression.
Alternative hypotheses: * Fat and fur, singly, will decrease thermal conductance; fur will do so more effectively; fat and fur, collectively, will be most efficient in decreasing thermal conductance. * Glycerol, antifreeze, and saline will effectively boost freezing point depression; antifreeze will be more efficient than glycerol; saline at higher concentrations will be more effective than saline at lower concentrations
Procedures:
Objective I 1. Heat 1 liter of 0.9% saline to 40oC on a hot plate. 2. Obtain 2 Ziploc bags of Crisco, warmed to 30oC. 3. Label 4 aluminum cans, 1-4. 4. Wrap Can #1 with a bag of Crisco; Can #2 with a fur pelt, Can #3 with a bag of Crisco and a fur pelt. Can #4 is the control. Use rubber bands to hold fat/fur to cans. 5. Fill each can with the warm saline. 6. Place a thermometer in each can; place a thermometer in the environment (room temperature). 7. Record the temperature of the cans (body temp) and the environment every five minutes, for a half hour. 8. Repeat experiment with a new batch of saline; place each can in a separate beaker. 9. Place each beaker in a separate ice bucket, with water and salt. 10. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside each beaker, as well as inside each can. 11. Record core temperatures and environmental temperatures every five minutes, for a half hour.
Objective II
Chris Prestridge
Shippensburg University
17 October 2012
Objectives: * To determine the effects of fat and/or fur on the thermal conductance of endotherms with a decreasing environmental temperature * To determine the effects of glycerol, antifreeze, and various concentrations of saline on freezing point depression
Null hypotheses: * Fat and fur have no direct relationship with thermal conductance. * Glycerol, antifreeze, and saline have no direct relationship with freezing point depression.
Alternative hypotheses: * Fat and fur, singly, will decrease thermal conductance; fur will do so more effectively; fat and fur, collectively, will be most efficient in decreasing thermal conductance. * Glycerol, antifreeze, and saline will effectively boost freezing point depression; antifreeze will be more efficient than glycerol; saline at higher concentrations will be more effective than saline at lower concentrations
Procedures:
Objective I 1. Heat 1 liter of 0.9% saline to 40oC on a hot plate. 2. Obtain 2 Ziploc bags of Crisco, warmed to 30oC. 3. Label 4 aluminum cans, 1-4. 4. Wrap Can #1 with a bag of Crisco; Can #2 with a fur pelt, Can #3 with a bag of Crisco and a fur pelt. Can #4 is the control. Use rubber bands to hold fat/fur to cans. 5. Fill each can with the warm saline. 6. Place a thermometer in each can; place a thermometer in the environment (room temperature). 7. Record the temperature of the cans (body temp) and the environment every five minutes, for a half hour. 8. Repeat experiment with a new batch of saline; place each can in a separate beaker. 9. Place each beaker in a separate ice bucket, with water and salt. 10. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature inside each beaker, as well as inside each can. 11. Record core temperatures and environmental temperatures every five minutes, for a half hour.
Objective II