Chapter 7: Problem 8

What behaviors help poikilotherms maintain a fairly constant body temperature during their season of activity?

Short Answer

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Answer: Poikilotherms use various behaviors such as basking, microhabitat selection, nocturnal activity, postural changes, and burrowing to maintain a relatively constant body temperature during their active season. These strategies help them optimize their metabolic and physiological functions in different environmental conditions.

Step by step solution

Introduction to Poikilotherms

Poikilotherms are organisms that have a variable internal body temperature, which changes based on the temperature of their environment. Most invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles fall into this category. During their active season, it is essential for poikilotherms to maintain a relatively constant body temperature for optimal metabolic and physiological functioning.

Behavior 1: Basking

Basking is a common behavior among poikilotherms, where they sit in the sun to warm up their bodies. By exposing themselves to sunlight, they can raise their body temperatures. Some species even have special adaptations, such as dark-colored skin, which helps absorb solar radiation more efficiently.

Behavior 2: Microhabitat Selection

Poikilothermic organisms often choose specific microhabitats based on their temperature. For example, a lizard might seek out a patch of sunlit rocks to warm up or hide under a bush to cool down. This selective use of microhabitats allows them to regulate their body temperatures without needing to expend metabolic energy.

Behavior 3: Nocturnal Activity

Some poikilothermic organisms become active at night to avoid temperature extremes during the day. Nocturnal activity may help them maintain a more stable temperature during their active season, by avoiding overheating during the hot daytime hours.

Behavior 4: Postural Changes

Poikilotherms can adjust their body posture or orientation to regulate temperature. For example, they might spread out their limbs to maximize heat absorption or contract and curl up to conserve heat. By adjusting their posture, they can control their body surface area exposed to the environment, effectively controlling heat exchange with their surroundings.

Behavior 5: Burrowing

Another way that poikilotherms can regulate their body temperature is by burrowing into the ground, providing a more stable and protected environment. The temperature below the surface tends to be more stable, allowing the organism to maintain a more constant body temperature during its active season. In conclusion, poikilotherms use various behaviors to maintain a fairly constant body temperature during their season of activity. These behaviors include basking, microhabitat selection, nocturnal activity, postural changes, and burrowing. These strategies help them to optimize their metabolic and physiological functions and survive in a range of environmental conditions.

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What behaviors help poikilotherms maintain a fairly constant body temperature during their season of activity?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Poikilotherms

Behavior 1: Basking

Behavior 2: Microhabitat Selection

Behavior 3: Nocturnal Activity

Behavior 4: Postural Changes

Behavior 5: Burrowing

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