Metabolism

Metabolism

Chain of chemical reactions that takes place in the body to convert food into energy.

Assimilated energy

Nutrient that contributes to living tissue, biosynthesis, maintenance, and activity.

Body size and metabolic rate relationship

Smaller animals have a higher mass-specific metabolic rate, losing heat faster and expending more energy to regulate body temperature.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Resting metabolic rate of endothermic species maintained in a thermoneutral zone.

Ectothermy

Relatively low metabolic rate, with body temperature relying mainly on external factors.

Endothermy

High metabolic rate that maintains a stable body temperature through metabolic heat production.

Hibernation

Long-term, seasonal reduction in metabolic rate.

Torpor

Short-term reduction in metabolic rate, usually daily.

Specific Dynamic Action

Internal temperature increase to aid in digestion, raising metabolic rate after a meal.

Metabolic changes during pregnancy

Increased metabolic needs of the mother for fetal growth and milk production.

Direct calorimetry

Method of measuring metabolism by calculating heat production.

Locomotion energetics

Differences in locomotion energy costs between air and water, influenced by support and resistance of the medium.

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the earth, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

What is condensation?

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds.

What is collection (in the water cycle)?

Collection refers to the accumulation of water in bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans after precipitation.

What is infiltration?

Infiltration is the process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil, replenishing groundwater supplies.

What is transpiration?

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is absorbed by plants and released as water vapor into the atmosphere.

What is the water cycle?

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water in different states (liquid, vapor, solid) through the environment, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, infiltration, and transpiration.

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid state to a vapor state, primarily due to heat from the sun, causing water from oceans, lakes, and rivers to rise into the atmosphere.

What are clouds?

Clouds are visible collections of tiny water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere, formed through condensation of water vapor as it cools.

What is runoff?

Runoff is the flow of water, primarily from precipitation, that moves across the land surface and eventually returns to bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and oceans, contributing to the water cycle.

What role do temperatures play in the water cycle?

Temperatures influence the rate of evaporation and condensation; higher temperatures increase evaporation rates while cooler temperatures promote condensation and cloud formation.

What is groundwater?

Groundwater is water that infiltrates the soil and is stored underground in aquifers, playing a crucial role in replenishing water supplies and supporting ecosystems.

What is the significance of the water cycle?

The water cycle is vital for sustaining life on Earth, as it provides fresh water for plants, animals, and humans, regulates climate, and supports ecosystem health.