written portion maybe 2.1

How do organisms exchange heat with their environment?

Organisms exchange heat through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation. These processes determine whether an organism gains or loses heat.

Explain radiation.

Radiation is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves. Organisms gain heat from sunlight and lose heat by emitting infrared radiation.

Explain conduction.

Conduction is the transfer of heat through direct contact between objects. Heat moves from a warmer object to a cooler object.

Explain convection.

Convection is the transfer of heat through moving air or water. Wind or moving water increases heat loss by carrying heat away from the body.

Explain evaporation.

Evaporation removes heat when water changes from a liquid to a gas. Sweating and panting cool organisms because heat leaves with the evaporating water.

How does surface area affect heat exchange?

Increasing surface area increases heat exchange because more of the body is exposed to radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.

Why do larger animals have greater thermal inertia?

Larger animals have a lower surface-area-to-volume ratio and gain or lose heat more slowly than smaller animals.

How does posture affect heat exchange?

Posture changes the amount of surface area exposed to the environment. Spreading out increases heat exchange while curling up reduces heat loss.

Why do darker animals absorb more heat?

Dark colors absorb more radiation and reflect less radiation, increasing heat gain from sunlight.

How does insulation affect heat exchange?

Fur, feathers, and fat reduce heat transfer and slow heat loss to the environment.