Thermoregulation in endotherms and ectotherms
Endotherms:
High temperatures denature enzymes and other proteins vital for body
function – prevents fluctuations in rate
Core temperature – important as all vital organs are found in the main part of
the body
Temperature of the extremities (peripheral temperature) can change without
causing death of organism
If temperature is too high, impermeable barrier on insects becomes damaged
Endotherms Ectotherms
Mammals Insects
birds reptiles
Can inhabit a wide range of habitats Can only inhabit a small number of
habitats
Require larger quantity of food Require smaller quantity of food
regulate temperature using Rely on behavioral mechanisms to
physiological and behavioral regulate temperature
mechanisms
Use exergonic reactions to regulate
temperature
Less energy from food stored in
biomass
Endotherms – organisms that generate heat within their own body tissues
- Can maintain a constant body temperature independent of the
temperature of the environment
- Gain energy from exergonic reactions e.g respiration
Advantages
1. Inhabit greater range of habitats
2. Even at cold temperatures, we are active and have fast responses
3. Chemical reactions can occur at constant rate, so can metabolic
processes
Disadvantages
Endotherms:
High temperatures denature enzymes and other proteins vital for body
function – prevents fluctuations in rate
Core temperature – important as all vital organs are found in the main part of
the body
Temperature of the extremities (peripheral temperature) can change without
causing death of organism
If temperature is too high, impermeable barrier on insects becomes damaged
Endotherms Ectotherms
Mammals Insects
birds reptiles
Can inhabit a wide range of habitats Can only inhabit a small number of
habitats
Require larger quantity of food Require smaller quantity of food
regulate temperature using Rely on behavioral mechanisms to
physiological and behavioral regulate temperature
mechanisms
Use exergonic reactions to regulate
temperature
Less energy from food stored in
biomass
Endotherms – organisms that generate heat within their own body tissues
- Can maintain a constant body temperature independent of the
temperature of the environment
- Gain energy from exergonic reactions e.g respiration
Advantages
1. Inhabit greater range of habitats
2. Even at cold temperatures, we are active and have fast responses
3. Chemical reactions can occur at constant rate, so can metabolic
processes
Disadvantages
