Chapter 5: Problem 7

Name two mechanisms by means of which the skin helps prevent heat loss when an animal is in a cold environment.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Two mechanisms in an animal's skin that help prevent heat loss in a cold environment are 'Vasoconstriction', where the blood vessels in the skin narrow to prevent heat loss through the skin to the environment, and the generation and trapping of a layer of warm air next to the skin by the 'hair' or 'fur' of the animals, which acts as an insulator against the cold.

Step by step solution

Understand Thermoregulation

One must know about the concept of thermoregulation, which is the ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is different. This mechanism is crucial in cold environments where heat loss can be detrimental.

Identify the First Mechanism

The first mechanism in line for the prevention of heat loss is 'Vasoconstriction'. It is the narrowing of the blood vessels in the skin. This response reduces the flow of heated blood through the skin, where it loses heat to the environment. As a result of vasoconstriction, less heat is lost to the environment.

Identify the Second Mechanism

The second mechanism can be the generation and trapping of a layer of warm air next to the skin, achieved by the 'hair' or 'fur' of the animals. When it is cold, these animals raise their fur to trap a layer of air next to the skin which gets warmed by body heat and acts as an insulator against the cold.

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Name two mechanisms by means of which the skin helps prevent heat loss when an animal is in a cold environment.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Thermoregulation

Identify the First Mechanism

Identify the Second Mechanism

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