Comparative Vertebrate Physiology Temperature relations in animals
Temperature variations Aquatic extremes -2°C - +40°C Terrestrial extremes -65°C - +70 °C
Ectotherms in cold climates Freezing is lethal Strategies Freeze tolerant animals - supercooling Ca++ salts, phospholipids restrict ice formation to ECF Intracellular solutes (glycerol) restricting water movement Freeze avoidance: depress the osmotic freezing point Antifreeze proteins (sugars and glycerol) disrupt ice formation
Ectotherms in hot climates Critical lethal maximum Definition (50% mortality) Fish 35 Salamanders 29-35.6 Anurans 36-41 Alligators 38 Turtles 41 Lizards 40.1-46.9 Snakes 40.4-41.6 Aquatic Terrestrial
Problem with hot climate Critical lethal maximum Protein denaturing Decrease in hemoglobin O2 affinity
Ectotherm adaptations e.g.marine iguana Bradycardia Peripheral vasoconstriction
Ectothermy Costs Benefits Cold unless environment permits Short duration of activity Limited body size Benefits Niche exploitation More energy for growth and reproduction Require less water
Heterotherms Terrestrial environment (e.g. Indian python)
Heterotherms Aquatic environment: must produce metabolic heat Fishes (rete mirabile) Ectotherm Heterotherm
Heterotherms Blue fin tuna
Endotherms Thermal neutral zone
Endothermy in cold climates Strategies 1. Decrease rate of heat loss Grow larger Change shape Reduce thermal conductance (huddling, fat, migration) Western pygmy possum
Endothermy in cold climates • Reduce thermal conductance (countercurrent heat exchange, peripheral vasoconstriction) Terrestrial Aquatic
Endothermy in cold climates Strategies 2. Increasing heat production shivering
Endothermy in cold climates Strategies 3. Abandoning homeothermy Torpor Hibernation
Endothermy in hot climates Strategies Gular fluttering (birds) Sweating (mammals) Panting (mammals) (evaporative cooling) Gular
Endothermy Costs Benefits High rate of food and water consumption High rate of respiration (water loss) Small amount of energy for growth and reproduction Benefits Active throughout the day and night Large body size