Herpetology Exam 3

Ectotherms

Amphibians and reptiles are...

Solar Energy

... is the ultimate source of heat

Ectotherms

Amphibians and reptiles are...

Solar Energy

... is the ultimate source of heat

Amphibians

Which herp operates at low body temps and tend to be more nocturnal

Reptiles

which herps operate at high body temps and are more dinural

Preferred temperature

temperatures Selected by individuals in a gradient

Set-point temperature range

Temperatures at which an animal attempts to thermoregulate

Critical Thermal Maximum

Highest temperature at which locomotion becomes uncoordinated

Critical Thermal Minimum

lowest temperature at which locomotion becomes uncoordinated

Thermoregulation

Maintaining a constant body temperature as environmental temperatures vary

Thermal Conformity

Body temperature varies with environmental temperature; no attempt to thermoregulate

what are the Six factors that are heat exchange?

metabolic heat production,convection, conduction, solar, infared, evaporative cooling

Chromatapores

Pigment- Containing cell that allows organisms to darken or lighten surface of the Skin during thermoregulation

Are irridopores reflective?

Yes they heat up Slower than melanophores

metabolic heat production

. large animals use this such as leatherbacks Sea turtles and pythons

How are the scales on the ventral surface

smooth and low

How are the Scales dorsally?

Matte and high

convective Heat Exchange

Occurs between animal and Surrounding fluid (water or air)

conductive heat exchange

Transfer of heat to and from water surfaces; especially important for nocturnal animals

Why does evaporative cooling Play a small role in reptiles?

They don't have permeable Skin

Which three reptiles Utilize evaporative cooling?

Iguanas, monitor lizards, and Crocodylians

Gular Fluttering

Monitor lizards use this to increase air flow into the buccal cavity

which reptile uses gaping?

Crocs

Why is evaporative cooling important in amphibians?

Highly permeable Skin

Hypothalamus

behavioral and physiological aspects of thermal regulation

What two variables influence the set-point temperature?

Sex-variable & reproductive status