E1+Temperature+and+Metabolism

E1: Temperature and Metabolism


 * __Homeotherms and poikilotherms__****


 * Organisms can be classified according to their temperature regulation process. This divides them into homeotherms and poikilotherms.
 * Homeotherms have a consistent body temperature, while poikilotherms have the ability to change their body temperature to fit the environmental conditions.

The Horse is an example of a homeotherm. The Frog is an example of a poikilotherm.
 * The one problem with classifying homeotherms and poikilotherms is that some homeotherms experience great changes in body temperature, like during hibernation and some poikilotherms experience only small temperature changes because their environment remains constant.


 * __Ectotherms and Endotherms__**
 * Ectotherms and Endotherms are another way to subdivide organisms based on body temperature
 * Endotherms regulate their body temperature by producing heat within their own bodies. Ectotherms rely on a heat source outside of their body.
 * The thermoneutral zone is the temperature range that an endotherm can consume energy and stay alive. Once the organism gets further and further away from the thermoneutral zone, they must use more energy to maintain their body temperature.
 * Endotherm's bodily temperature typically ranges from 35˚C and 40˚C, thus they often lose heat to the environment. To cope with this heat loss, many animals use tactics such as panting.


 * __Heat Exchange__**
 * All types of organisms can create their own heat and at the same time gain and lose heat to their environment.
 * Instinct and comfort levels are used to regulate heat exchanges. Ectotherms rely more heavily on the environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature.


 * __Temperature Thresholds__**
 * There are three types of temperature ranges: Very Low, Very High and the In Between Temperatures. High temperatures can lead to enzymes inactivation which can disrupt an organism's metabolism. An example of this is how an organism reacts to dehydration.
 * Most organisms that experience overheating are found in hot and dry environments. When it comes to low temperatures, however, reactions vary from organism to organism. Typical reactions to extreme low temperatures include: freezing, chilling, and hardening. Many organisms are killed because of ice crystallization within their cells.
 * Species able to survive in these extreme conditions have a mechanism that prevents the ice crystallization.
 * Most seeds of plants are resistant to low temperatures. When the temperature climbs above freezing, the metabolism slows and almost stopped.