Thermoregulation
• Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to maintain its body temperature
within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is different.
• Essential for survival and enzymatic function
• Affects metabolic rate, behavior, and physiology
• Mechanisms differ between ectotherms and endotherms
Homeostasis and Temperature
• Thermoregulation is a component of homeostasis — the maintenance of a stable
internal environment.
• Critical for optimal biochemical reactions
• Thermal stress can lead to denaturation of proteins or enzyme inactivity
• Controlled by nervous and endocrine systems in endotherms
Types of Thermoregulators
• Organisms are broadly classified as ectotherms or endotherms based on the
source of their body heat.
• Ectotherms: Derive heat from environment
• Endotherms: Generate heat metabolically
• Some organisms show heterothermy — switch between strategies
Ectothermic Animals
• Ectotherms include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates.
• Rely on sunlight, water, or warm surfaces
• Behavioral adaptations play a crucial role
• Lower energy requirement and slower metabolism
Endothermic Animals
• Endotherms include mammals and birds that regulate internal temperature
physiologically.
• Use metabolic processes to generate heat
• Require more food and oxygen
• Can survive in diverse climates
Behavioral Thermoregulation in
Ectotherms
• Ectotherms adjust their position or behavior to control body temperature.
• Basking on rocks (gain heat)
• Seeking shade or burrowing (lose heat)
• Changing posture and orientation to the sun
Physiological Responses in
Ectotherms
• Although limited, some ectotherms have physiological means to aid
thermoregulation.
• Color change to absorb or reflect heat (melanophores)
• Thermal inertia in large-bodied ectotherms
• Evaporative cooling via skin or respiration
Case Study: Desert Lizard
• Desert lizards show complex behavior to survive extreme temperatures.
• Morning basking to activate metabolism
• Midday retreat to burrows
• Evening activity resumes in cooler temperatures
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Ectothermy
• Ectotherms save energy but are more dependent on environmental conditions.
• + Low food requirement
• + Efficient in stable climates
• - Inactive in cold
• - Limited geographic range
Physiological Thermoregulation in
Endotherms
• Endotherms regulate temperature using metabolic and anatomical adaptations.
• Shivering, sweating, panting
• Vasodilation and vasoconstriction
• Use of brown adipose tissue (BAT) for non-shivering thermogenesis
Insulation Mechanisms in
Endotherms
• Insulation helps retain heat in cold climates.
• Fur and feathers trap air
• Blubber in marine mammals like seals and whales
• Behavioral insulation: Huddling in penguins
Evaporative Cooling in Endotherms
• Mechanism to cool down by water evaporation.
• Sweating in humans
• Panting in dogs
• Gular fluttering in birds like pigeons
Heat Exchange Mechanisms
• Countercurrent heat exchange conserves core body heat.
• Found in limbs of birds and aquatic mammals
• Arteries and veins positioned closely for heat transfer
• Minimizes heat loss from extremities
Adaptations in Cold Climate
Endotherms
• Specialized adaptations to reduce heat loss.
• Compact body shape (Bergmann’s rule)
• Small extremities (Allen’s rule)
• Seasonal fur changes (e.g., Arctic fox)
Adaptations in Hot Climate
Endotherms
• Adaptations to maximize heat loss and conserve water.
• Large ears in fennec foxes for heat dissipation
• Concentrated urine to reduce water loss
• Tolerance to body temp fluctuations (e.g., camels)
Comparison Table: Ectotherms vs
Endotherms
• Key differences summarized in table form:
• | Feature | Ectotherms | Endotherms |
• |--------|------------|------------|
• | Heat Source | External | Internal |
• | Energy Use | Low | High |
• | Temp Range | Variable | Constant |
• | Activity in Cold | Low | High |
Case Study: Penguin (Endotherm)
• Penguins survive extreme cold using fat, feathers, and behavior.
• Thick layer of fat and dense feathers
• Huddling behavior reduces heat loss
• Countercurrent heat exchange in flippers
Case Study: Crocodile (Ectotherm)
• Crocodiles use behavioral thermoregulation for survival.
• Bask on riverbanks
• Open mouth (gular fluttering) to cool
• Enter water to avoid overheating
Heterothermy and Exceptions
• Some animals exhibit heterothermy – a combination of both strategies.
• Bats and hummingbirds: daily torpor
• Bears: seasonal hibernation
• Tuna: regional endothermy (keep muscles warm)
Conclusion
• Thermoregulation strategies are vital for animal survival and ecological success.
• Ectotherms use behavior and environment
• Endotherms rely on internal metabolic heat
• Each adaptation suits ecological niche and energy availability
