Question

Define poikilotherm and homeotherm, highlighting how they are different. Both homeotherms and poikilotherms do not have the exact temperature of their surroundings, but have the ability to regulate their body temperature to accommodate their needs. Describe (explaining a few examples for each) how these animals are able to accomplish these ‘thermal feats’

Answer 1

Question

Differences:

1. Pokilotherms are the animals that are not able to maintain constant body tempertaure whereas homeotherms are thd animals that are able to maintain constant body temperature.

2. The external emvironment control the body temperature whereas homeotherms body temperature is not regulated by external environment temperature.

For example, adaptations in pokilotherms are:

I.Lizards and snake bask in the sun during day and late evening to regulate their body temperature.

II. Termite mounds are oriented in a north-south direction that help them to absorb maximum heat from the environment.

III. Tuna are the animals that warm their body by a specific mechnaims known as rete mirabile.

For example, adapation in homeotherms are:

I. In cold condition, heat loss is conserved by constriction of blood vessels in humans.

II. Birds are homeothermic animals by decreasing heat dissipiation from the body.