Archive Question #0112

Hello, i would like to know what affects the rate of cooling in animals. if you could help in any way then i would be very grateful.

The answer to this question depends on the animal you are studying. Animals, such as invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles regulate their body temperatures by their behaviour. These animals, sometimes called 'cold blooded', cannot regulate their temperature by internal means. To cool down they have to move into the shade or into water. The lower external temperature will lower their body temperatures. The rate at which this happens will depend on the difference between the internal and external temperatures. The greater the temperature difference, the faster the rate of cooling. Try researching an animal such as a lizard to find out how its daily behaviour helps it to regulate its teperature. Birds and mammals have many 'tricks' to help them cool down. Lowering their feathers or hairs, sending more bloood to the skin, sweating or panting etc.. Some large animals living in hot climates use large ears or skin extensions to lower their body temperatures. Again, the rate at which they cool down will depend on the difference between their body temperature and the external temperature. The greater the difference, the faster the rate of heat loss from the body. Try finding out why the mechanisms listed above help heat to be removed from the body. Other factors which will effect the rate of heat loss from the body are air currents and if the body is in contact with a cold object which conducts heat. Research into conduction, convection and radiation of heat and find out how an animal uses these to lose heat. I hope this helps to answer your question.

I forgot to add to my answer that the body covering of an animal and its size (surface area to volume ratio) will influence its cooling rate. Research the insulating properties of hair (fur) and feathers to find out more.

Shirley

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