BIOL10004 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Human Body Temperature, Poikilotherm, Thermoregulation
BIOL – Lecture 16
Thermoregulation
Why thermoregulate?
• Biochemical reactions are temperature-sensitive
o Body temp too low → metabolism slows, bodily functions disrupted
o Body temp too high → enzyme function destroyed, proteins denature
• Optimum body temperature varies among groups
o -2˚C – polar fish
o 0˚C – animals at thermal vents
o between 0-3˚C for ost aials
human body temperature
normal: 36.5-37.5˚C
What determines body temperature?
Metabolism- biggest contributor
• metabolism generates heat
• an increase in body temperature increases metabolic rate
heat exchange
• conduction – diret otat etwee aials ody ad aother surfae
• convection – cooler air/water movement removes heat from body surface
• evaporation – cooling occurs when water (e.g. from sweat) evaporates
• radiation – thermal (infrared) radiation from sun to animal, or form animal to
surroundings
old-looded s. arm-looded INACCURATE
• other terms:
o poikilothermic – body temp varies, fluctuates with environmental temp
o homeothermic – constant body temp, regulated independently of
environment
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