Endotherms vs Ectotherms Flashcards

Study Notes

Endotherms

Endotherms can precisely control their internal body temperature, maintaining it regardless of external environmental conditions.
Utilize various physiological and behavioral mechanisms for thermoregulation, enabling them to remain active in cold environments.
Advantages include a fairly constant body temperature, which allows for continued activity even in low temperatures and the ability to inhabit colder regions.
Disadvantages involve consuming a significant portion of energy intake for temperature regulation, resulting in a need for more food, reduced energy available for growth, and risk of overheating in high temperatures.

Ectotherms

Ectotherms depend on external conditions to regulate their body temperature and are unable to maintain a constant internal temperature.
Can produce a small amount of extra heat through muscle contractions during activities such as respiration.
Significant advantage lies in reduced energy expenditure for thermoregulation, allowing more energy for growth and the ability to survive longer periods without food.
Drawbacks include the necessity to absorb heat in cold environments, leading to decreased activity levels in low temperatures.

Examples of Thermoregulation in Ectotherms

Locusts adjust their position on plant stems to balance distance from hot soil, helping them manage their body temperature.
Snakes increase their body temperature by lying in sunlight, utilizing external warmth.
Horned lizards can expand or contract their rib cage, adjusting their surface area to volume ratio for optimal heat exposure and retention.

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation is the biological process that organisms use to maintain their internal body temperature within certain parameters, crucial for survival across varying environments.

Description

Explore the distinctions between endotherms and ectotherms with these informative flashcards. Gain insights into how these organisms regulate their body temperature, along with the varying mechanisms involved. Perfect for students studying biology or environmental science.