Thermoregulation

This set of flashcards covers the key vocabulary terms and definitions associated with thermoregulation, including fundamental concepts, mechanisms, and adaptations related to maintaining body temperature in various organisms.

Thermoregulation

The regulation of internal temperature by negative feedback mechanisms.

Homeotherm

An animal that maintains a stable body temperature regardless of the temperature of the external environment.

Poikilotherm

An animal whose body temperature varies with, and often matches, the temperature of the external environment.

Endotherm

An animal that maintains its body temperature by internal mechanisms.

Ectotherm

An animal that maintains its body temperature by absorbing thermal energy from the environment.

Metabolic Rate

The rate at which an organism's body converts food into energy.

Conduction

The flow of thermal energy between molecules that are in direct contact.

Convection

The transfer of thermal energy within a fluid (liquid or gas).

Radiation

The transfer of thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

Evaporation

The process by which water absorbs thermal energy and transitions from a liquid to a gas.

Torpor

A short-term state of reduced metabolic rate and body temperature that reduces the demand for energy.

Hibernation

A state of greatly reduced metabolic rate and activity that enables an animal to survive the winter.

Estivation

A state of torpor that enables an animal to survive the summer.

Thermoreceptors

Receptors that detect changes in temperature.

Thermal Acclimatization

The process by which an animal gradually adjusts to temperature changes in its environment.

Exothermic Reactions

Reactions that release thermal energy.

Negative Feedback Mechanism

A process that works to counteract a change in a system.

Infrared Radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation associated with heat.

Set Point

The desired value for a physiological measure that the body seeks to maintain.

Vasoconstriction

The constriction of blood vessels to reduce blood flow to the skin and retain body heat.

Vasodilation

The dilation of blood vessels to increase blood flow to the skin and release body heat.

Sweat Glands

Glands in the skin that produce sweat to help cool the body.

Ectothermic Behaviors

Behaviors used by ectotherms to regulate their body temperature by utilizing external sources.

Endothermic Behaviors

Behaviors used by endotherms that involve internal mechanisms to adjust body temperature.

Exercise Endotherms

Animals that generate heat through muscle activity to maintain body temperature.

Biochemical Reactions

Processes that involve chemical changes in living organisms that can generate thermal energy.

Thermal Energy Exchange

The transfer of thermal energy between an organism and its environment.

Internal Temperature Regulation

Mechanisms that maintain optimal body temperature within an organism.

Freezing Point Depression

The lowering of the freezing point of a liquid caused by the presence of solutes.

Adaptive Mechanisms

Various strategies employed by organisms to cope with environmental changes.

Behavioural Adaptations

Actions taken by animals in response to environmental conditions to maintain homeostasis.

Physiological Adaptations

Internal processes or features that help an organism survive in its environment.

Thermal Energy Conservation

Processes that minimize heat loss from an organism's body.

Metabolic Thermal Energy Output

The amount of heat produced through metabolic processes in an organism.

Core Temperature

The internal temperature of an organism, crucial for proper physiological function.

Thermal Energy Absorption

The process of absorbing heat from the environment.

Seasonal Variations

Changes in environmental conditions associated with different times of the year.

Glucose Accumulation

The buildup of glucose in cells that can affect freezing point.

Body Temperature Fluctuation

Variations in body temperature in response to external environmental conditions.

Solar Radiation

The sun's energy that can be absorbed by organisms to regulate temperature.

Thermoregulatory Responses

Actions taken by organisms to maintain stable body temperatures.

Nervous System Alerts

The process by which the nervous system detects changes in temperature and signals for a response.

Food Energy Requirements

The amount of energy derived from food that an organism needs for metabolic processes.