thermoregulation in ectotherms

what do ectotherms body temps depend on?

their surroundings

what type of responses to ectotherms mainly have to maintain body temp?

behavioural responses - have to do things to help themselves

what are some behavioural responses of ectotherms?

• Laying in sun (to absorb radiation)

• Orientating their bodies to maximize radiation from the sun

• Lying against warm rocks (conduction)

• Lifting 2 feet at a time off the ground

• Wallowing in mud

• Moving into cracks and crevices' in the rocks, where it is shady

• Butterflies can spread their wings to increase their SA to absorb enough heat or they may vibrate their wings to warm their muscles before flying

• Galapagos iguanas contract their muscles and vibrate increasing their metabolism to warm up

what is an example of an ectotherm that also has physiological responses and what are they?

• Namaqua Chameleon

• Their skin can turn black to absorb the sun's radiation

• Their skin can turn white to reflect the sun's radiation

what is an advantage of being an ectotherm?

• Less food is needed so therefore less time is spent finding food

• More nutrients can be used for growth and reproduction

disadvantage of being an ectotherm?

Slower metabolism at lower temps means that ectotherms can be at risk from predators or unable to hunt for food when their body temp is low

are ectotherms warm or cold blooded?

cold