Heat Loss and Surface Area

The greater the surface area, the faster the heat loss The less the surface area, the slower the heat loss

Examples of How Surface Area Affects Temperature

Controlling the surface area, helps control the temperature (Thermoregulation) Elephant ears act like heat radiators to help control body temperature

African Elephant: Hot Climate Big Ears with Many Veins Asian Elephant: Cool Climate Small Ears with Few Veins Small Ear Big Ear

Sleeping Position and Heat Loss (COLD NIGHT) (HOT NIGHT) Spread out position Fetal position Greater Surface Area Less Surface Area Increased Heat Loss Decreased Heat Loss

During warm months, they are able to spread out In extreme cold, penguins huddle together to reduce the surface area of the flock During warm months, they are able to spread out