Thermoregulation in Ectotherms

Behavioural Responses:

• Basking in the Sun to allow them to absorb radiation
• Orientate their bodies so maximum surface area is exposed
• Extending areas of their body also increases maximum surface area
• Examples: lizards bask in the sun in order to get warm enough to move fast to hunt their prey
  • locusts and butterflies orientate themselves for maximum exposure such as spreading their wings
• Conduction by pressing their bodies against the warm ground
• Exothermic chemical reactions also warm them up
  • Galapogas iguanas contract their muscles and vibrate to increase cellular metabolism
  • Moths and butterflies may vibrate wings to warm muscles before flight
• Cooling down is also important to prevent denaturing of enzymes
• Shelter from the sun by…