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Thermoregulation

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  1. mammal
    a warm-blooded vertebrate having the skin covered with hair
    Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36–38°C for most mammals and 39–42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the environment.
  2. maintain
    keep in a certain state, position, or activity
    Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36–38°C for most mammals and 39–42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the environment.
  3. temperature
    the degree of hotness or coldness of a body or environment
    Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36–38°C for most mammals and 39–42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the environment.
  4. narrow
    not wide
    Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36–38°C for most mammals and 39–42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the environment.
  5. range
    a variety of different things or activities
    Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36–38°C for most mammals and 39–42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the environment.
  6. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
    Mammals and birds generally maintain body temperature within a narrow range (36–38°C for most mammals and 39–42°C for most birds) that is usually considerably warmer than the environment.
  7. object
    a tangible and visible entity
    Because heat always flows from a warm object to cooler surroundings, birds and mammals must counteract the constant heat loss.
  8. constant
    uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
    Because heat always flows from a warm object to cooler surroundings, birds and mammals must counteract the constant heat loss.
  9. maintenance
    activity involved in keeping something in good working order
    This maintenance of warm body temperature depends on several key adaptations.
  10. depend
    be determined by something else
    This maintenance of warm body temperature depends on several key adaptations.
  11. adaptation
    the process of adjusting or conforming to new conditions
    This maintenance of warm body temperature depends on several key adaptations.
  12. mechanism
    device consisting of a piece of machinery
    The most basic mechanism is the high metabolic rate of endothermy itself.
  13. replace
    put something back where it belongs
    Endotherms can produce large amounts of metabolic heat that replace the flow of heat to the environment, and they can vary heat production to match changing rates of heat loss.
  14. vary
    become different in some particular way
    Endotherms can produce large amounts of metabolic heat that replace the flow of heat to the environment, and they can vary heat production to match changing rates of heat loss.
  15. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    Heat production is increased by such muscle activity as moving or shivering.
  16. muscle
    animal tissue consisting predominantly of contractile cells
    Heat production is increased by such muscle activity as moving or shivering.
  17. hormone
    the secretion of an endocrine gland transmitted by the blood
    In some mammals, certain hormones can cause mitochondria to increase their metabolic activity and produce heat instead of ATP.
  18. throughout
    from first to last
    This nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) takes place throughout the body, but some mammals also have a tissue called brown fat in the neck and between the shoulders that is specialized for rapid heat production.
  19. specialize
    become more focused on an area of activity or field of study
    This nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) takes place throughout the body, but some mammals also have a tissue called brown fat in the neck and between the shoulders that is specialized for rapid heat production.
  20. rapid
    characterized by speed
    This nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) takes place throughout the body, but some mammals also have a tissue called brown fat in the neck and between the shoulders that is specialized for rapid heat production.
  21. minimal
    the least possible
    Through shivering and NST, mammals and birds in cold environments can increase their metabolic heat production by as much as 5 to 10 times above the minimal levels that occur in warm conditions.
  22. level
    a relative position or degree of value in a graded group
    Through shivering and NST, mammals and birds in cold environments can increase their metabolic heat production by as much as 5 to 10 times above the minimal levels that occur in warm conditions.
  23. occur
    come to pass
    Through shivering and NST, mammals and birds in cold environments can increase their metabolic heat production by as much as 5 to 10 times above the minimal levels that occur in warm conditions.
  24. condition
    a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing
    Through shivering and NST, mammals and birds in cold environments can increase their metabolic heat production by as much as 5 to 10 times above the minimal levels that occur in warm conditions.
  25. major
    greater in scope or effect
    Another major thermoregulatory adaptation that evolved in mammals and birds is insulation (hair, feathers, and fat layers), which reduces the flow of heat and lowers the energy cost of keeping warm.
  26. evolve
    undergo development
    Another major thermoregulatory adaptation that evolved in mammals and birds is insulation (hair, feathers, and fat layers), which reduces the flow of heat and lowers the energy cost of keeping warm.
  27. insulation
    reduction of the transmission of sound, heat, or electricity
    Another major thermoregulatory adaptation that evolved in mammals and birds is insulation (hair, feathers, and fat layers), which reduces the flow of heat and lowers the energy cost of keeping warm.
  28. layer
    a single thickness of some substance or material
    Another major thermoregulatory adaptation that evolved in mammals and birds is insulation (hair, feathers, and fat layers), which reduces the flow of heat and lowers the energy cost of keeping warm.
  29. energy
    forceful exertion
    Another major thermoregulatory adaptation that evolved in mammals and birds is insulation (hair, feathers, and fat layers), which reduces the flow of heat and lowers the energy cost of keeping warm.
  30. react
    show a response to something
    Most land mammals and birds react to cold by raising their fur or feathers, thereby trapping a thicker layer of air.
  31. raise
    move upwards
    Most land mammals and birds react to cold by raising their fur or feathers, thereby trapping a thicker layer of air.
  32. thereby
    by that means or because of that
    Most land mammals and birds react to cold by raising their fur or feathers, thereby trapping a thicker layer of air.
  33. rely
    have confidence or faith in
    Humans rely more on a layer of fat just beneath the skin as insulation; goose bumps are a vestige of hair-raising left over from our furry ancestors.
  34. vestige
    an indication that something has been present
    Humans rely more on a layer of fat just beneath the skin as insulation; goose bumps are a vestige of hair-raising left over from our furry ancestors.
  35. ancestor
    someone from whom you are descended
    Humans rely more on a layer of fat just beneath the skin as insulation; goose bumps are a vestige of hair-raising left over from our furry ancestors.
  36. regulate
    bring into conformity with rules, principles, or usage
    Vasodilation and vasoconstriction also regulate heat exchange and may contribute to regional temperature differences within the animal.
  37. contribute
    give, provide, or supply something
    Vasodilation and vasoconstriction also regulate heat exchange and may contribute to regional temperature differences within the animal.
  38. regional
    characteristic of a particular area
    Vasodilation and vasoconstriction also regulate heat exchange and may contribute to regional temperature differences within the animal.
  39. difference
    the quality of being unlike or dissimilar
    Vasodilation and vasoconstriction also regulate heat exchange and may contribute to regional temperature differences within the animal.
  40. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    For example, heat loss from a human is reduced when arms and legs cool to several degrees below the temperature of the body core, where most vital organs are located.
  41. degree
    a specific identifiable position in a continuum or series
    For example, heat loss from a human is reduced when arms and legs cool to several degrees below the temperature of the body core, where most vital organs are located.
  42. core
    the center of an object
    For example, heat loss from a human is reduced when arms and legs cool to several degrees below the temperature of the body core, where most vital organs are located.
  43. vital
    performing an essential function in the living body
    For example, heat loss from a human is reduced when arms and legs cool to several degrees below the temperature of the body core, where most vital organs are located.
  44. locate
    determine the place of by searching or examining
    For example, heat loss from a human is reduced when arms and legs cool to several degrees below the temperature of the body core, where most vital organs are located.
  45. insulate
    surround with material to protect from heat, cold, or noise
    Hair loses most of its insulating power when wet.
  46. marine
    of or relating to the sea
    Marine mammals such as whales and seals have a very thick layer of insulation fat called blubber, just under the skin.
  47. species
    taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
    Marine mammals swim in water colder than their body core temperature, and many species spend at least part of the year in nearly freezing polar seas.
  48. effective
    producing or capable of producing an intended result
    Even so, the blubber insulation is so effective that marine mammals maintain body core temperatures of about 36–38°C with metabolic rates about the same as those of land mammals of similar size.
  49. similar
    having the same or nearly the same characteristics
    Even so, the blubber insulation is so effective that marine mammals maintain body core temperatures of about 36–38°C with metabolic rates about the same as those of land mammals of similar size.
  50. extremity
    the outermost or farthest region or point
    The flippers or tail of a whale or seal lack insulating blubber, but countercurrent heat exchangers greatly reduce heat loss in these extremities, as they do in the legs of many birds.
  51. vascular
    relating to vessels that conduct and circulate fluids
    Through metabolic heat production, insulation, and vascular adjustments, birds and mammals are capable of astonishing feats of thermoregulation.
  52. adjustment
    the act of making something different
    Through metabolic heat production, insulation, and vascular adjustments, birds and mammals are capable of astonishing feats of thermoregulation.
  53. capable
    having ability
    Through metabolic heat production, insulation, and vascular adjustments, birds and mammals are capable of astonishing feats of thermoregulation.
  54. astonishing
    so surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm
    Through metabolic heat production, insulation, and vascular adjustments, birds and mammals are capable of astonishing feats of thermoregulation.
  55. feat
    a notable achievement
    Through metabolic heat production, insulation, and vascular adjustments, birds and mammals are capable of astonishing feats of thermoregulation.
  56. weigh
    have a certain heft
    For example, small birds called chickadees, which weigh only 20 grams, can remain active and hold body temperature nearly constant at 40°C in environmental temperatures as low as –40°C—as long as they have enough food to supply the large amount of energy necessary for heat production.
  57. active
    characterized by energetic movement
    For example, small birds called chickadees, which weigh only 20 grams, can remain active and hold body temperature nearly constant at 40°C in environmental temperatures as low as –40°C—as long as they have enough food to supply the large amount of energy necessary for heat production.
  58. environmental
    of or relating to the external conditions or surroundings
    For example, small birds called chickadees, which weigh only 20 grams, can remain active and hold body temperature nearly constant at 40°C in environmental temperatures as low as –40°C—as long as they have enough food to supply the large amount of energy necessary for heat production.
  59. low
    less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
    For example, small birds called chickadees, which weigh only 20 grams, can remain active and hold body temperature nearly constant at 40°C in environmental temperatures as low as –40°C—as long as they have enough food to supply the large amount of energy necessary for heat production.
  60. supply
    circulate or distribute or equip with
    For example, small birds called chickadees, which weigh only 20 grams, can remain active and hold body temperature nearly constant at 40°C in environmental temperatures as low as –40°C—as long as they have enough food to supply the large amount of energy necessary for heat production.
  61. require
    have need of
    Many mammals and birds live in places where thermoregulation requires cooling off as well as warming.
  62. excess
    the state of being more than full
    For example, when a marine mammal moves into warm seas, as many whales do when they reproduce, excess metabolic heat is removed by vasodilation of numerous blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin.
  63. removed
    separate or apart in time, space, or character
    For example, when a marine mammal moves into warm seas, as many whales do when they reproduce, excess metabolic heat is removed by vasodilation of numerous blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin.
  64. numerous
    amounting to a large indefinite number
    For example, when a marine mammal moves into warm seas, as many whales do when they reproduce, excess metabolic heat is removed by vasodilation of numerous blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin.
  65. vessel
    an object used as a container, especially for liquids
    For example, when a marine mammal moves into warm seas, as many whales do when they reproduce, excess metabolic heat is removed by vasodilation of numerous blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin.
  66. climate
    the weather in some location averaged over a period of time
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  67. vigorous
    characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  68. exercise
    the activity of exerting muscles to keep fit
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  69. terrestrial
    of or relating to or characteristic of the planet Earth
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  70. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  71. enhance
    increase
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  72. gradient
    a graded change in the magnitude of something
    In hot climates or when vigorous exercise adds large amounts of metabolic heat to the body, many terrestrial mammals and birds may allow body temperature to rise by several degrees, which enhances heat loss by increasing the temperature gradient between the body and a warm environment.
  73. role
    the actions and activities assigned to a person or group
    Evaporative cooling often plays a key role in dissipating the body heat.
  74. dissipate
    cause to separate and go in different directions
    Evaporative cooling often plays a key role in dissipating the body heat.
  75. gain
    obtain
    If environmental temperature is above body temperature, animals gain heat from the environment as well as from metabolism, and evaporation is the only way to keep body temperature from rising rapidly.
  76. metabolism
    the organic processes that are necessary for life
    If environmental temperature is above body temperature, animals gain heat from the environment as well as from metabolism, and evaporation is the only way to keep body temperature from rising rapidly.
  77. evaporation
    the process of becoming a suspension of particles in the air
    If environmental temperature is above body temperature, animals gain heat from the environment as well as from metabolism, and evaporation is the only way to keep body temperature from rising rapidly.
  78. flutter
    flap the wings rapidly or fly with flapping movements
    Some birds have a pouch richly supplied with blood vessels in the floor of the mouth; fluttering the pouch increases evaporation.
  79. sufficient
    of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement
    Pigeons can use evaporative cooling to keep body temperature close to 40°C in air temperatures as high as 60°C, as long as they have sufficient water.
  80. control
    power to direct or determine
    Many terrestrial mammals have sweat glands controlled by the nervous system.
  81. nervous
    of or relating to a system of sensory apparatus
    Many terrestrial mammals have sweat glands controlled by the nervous system.
  82. promote
    assign to a higher position
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
  83. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
  84. surface
    the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
  85. rodent
    a mammal having two pairs of ever-growing front teeth for gnawing
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
  86. combat
    the act of fighting; any contest or struggle
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
  87. severe
    very harsh or strict, especially when dealing with others
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
  88. stress
    special emphasis attached to something
    Other mechanisms that promote evaporative cooling include spreading saliva on body surfaces, an adaptation of some kangaroos and rodents for combating severe heat stress.
Created on Mon Dec 10 19:27:02 EST 2012

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