Mechanism of heat exchange between organism and their environment

Regulation of Heat Exchange between Animals and their Environment

There are various mechanisms through which animals regulate heat exchange. These mechanisms may be structural, physiological, or behavioral in nature.

Structural Adaptations

·         These adaptations include long term changes.

·         These changes occur in sub dermal skin.

·         It also includes insulation and pelage.

·         For panting, sweat glands and lungs are modified

                               

Physiological Adaptations

·         This includes regulation of blood flow to the skin.

·         To inhibit the heat, level of blood flow is increased especially in warmth.

·         Blood flow is decreased to minimize the heat loss in cold.

·         Plumage, fluffing, is caused by activation of certain glands.

·         For evaporative cooling, sweat glands are activated.

Behavioral Adaptations

·         This includes the migration of the animal to the environment where there is the minimum heat exchange.

·         For example, in midday heat ground squirrel moves towards burrows.

·         To gain heat, lizards bask in sun.

·         Animals adjust their postures for heat exchange by controlling their surface area.