Question

Which of the following is an endotherm? a. a shark b. a frog c. a monkey d. a snake

Short answer

The monkey (c) is an endotherm.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Term 'Endotherm'

First, clarify what an endotherm is. An endotherm is an organism that can regulate its body temperature by producing heat internally, regardless of the external environment. These animals are often referred to as "warm-blooded." Examples include mammals and birds.

Analyzing Each Option

Analyze whether each listed animal is an endotherm: - **a. Shark**: Sharks are fish and are not endotherms. They rely on the environment for body temperature regulation. - **b. Frog**: Frogs are ectothermic amphibians, so they cannot internally regulate their body temperature. - **c. Monkey**: Monkeys are mammals, classified as endotherms, as they can regulate their body temperature. - **d. Snake**: Snakes are reptiles, and like amphibians, they are ectotherms relying on the environment for heat.

Choosing the Correct Answer

Identify which option fits the definition of an endotherm. Based on the analysis, the monkey (option c) is the only animal listed that is an endotherm, as it is a mammal and can maintain internal body temperature.

Key concepts

Thermoregulation

Thermoregulation refers to an organism's ability to maintain its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when surrounding temperatures are very different. It's an amazing process essential for survival, allowing animals to adapt to environmental changes and perform crucial biological functions.

Endotherms such as mammals and birds are masters of thermoregulation. They have internal mechanisms that generate heat during cold conditions and can dissipate heat in warmer climates. These adaptations include sweating, shivering, and changing blood flow patterns. On the other hand, ectotherms depend on external sources of heat, such as sunlight, to regulate their body temperature.

Animals use various behaviors to aid their thermo-regulative processes, such as seeking shade to cool down or basking in the sun to warm up. By understanding thermoregulation, we gain insights into how animals survive and thrive in different habitats across the world.

Mammals

Mammals are a diverse group of animals characterized by their unique ability to sustain constant internal body temperatures, making them endotherms. This trait distinguishes them from many other animals, allowing them to inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, from freezing polar regions to scorching deserts.

The key to this ability lies in their metabolism, where mammals burn energy from food to produce heat. They have insulating features like fur or blubber to reduce heat loss, contributing to their warm-blooded nature. Additionally, mammals give birth to live young and nourish them with milk produced by mammary glands, further highlighting their unique biology.

By retaining control over their temperature, mammals maintain homeostasis, enabling efficient body functions irrespective of the climate. This capability enhances their survival and reproduction, ensuring that mammals continue to thrive in a variety of environments.

Ectotherms

Ectotherms, commonly known as "cold-blooded" animals, are organisms that primarily rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperature. They include reptiles, amphibians, and most fish.

Unlike endotherms, ectotherms do not produce much internal heat. Instead, they must physically move to areas of warmth or coolness to manage their body temperature. This method of temperature regulation influences the activity levels and behavior of ectotherms significantly.

For instance, reptiles like snakes may bask in the sunlight to increase their body temperature, which is essential for digestion and other metabolic processes. At night or during cooler periods, they might become less active to conserve energy.

Ectothermy can be an efficient way to survive in environments where retaining a constant internal temperature is too energy-intensive, but it also limits these animals to specific climate zones and activity times.