PCB 3712 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Phenotypic Plasticity, Genomic Imprinting, Epigenetics
Document Summary
The physiology and appearance of immature animals always differs from that of adults. As development ensues many genetic, physical, and metabolic changes take place. Different organs and tissues develop at different rates between different animals. Rats reach full reproductive development much quicker than humans because they have a shorter lifespan. Brain and nervous system development takes most of the metabolic energy produced by consumption in newborns of both species. Rates of development are different between species due to evolutionary history. Newborn and young animals are not good at thermoregulation. Young animals lack insulation like from fur to maintain body heat and they do not have as active of a metabolism. As newborns develop they form more enzymes and protein, more metabolic activity, which allows for more body heat to be produced. Older animals are better able to thermoregulate and can therefore survive in harsher conditions as compared to newborns which enables them to spend more time in the environment.
.jpg)
