Question

3. A. Explain the differences between an endothermic and an ectothermic animal.

B. Describe one advantage of each.

Answer 1

Ectotherms, including reptiles and amphibians, are organisms that don't possess the ability to generate sufficient heat to keep themselves warm. As such, they are dependent on environmental sources of heat, such as sunlight. This explains why most ectotherms are confined to warmer parts of the world, and why snakes, in particular, can often be seen basking on roadsides in many countries.

Endotherms, in contrast, do possess the ability to generate their own body heat. Mammals and birds are the only endothermic classes of organisms. Because of this trait, many mammal and bird species have been able to colonise some of the coldest parts of the planet.

Endothermic

Endothermic animals must eat much more often than ectothermic animals since it takes energy to maintain a constant body temperature.

Ectothermic

Some animals must bask in the sun( for examples snakes or lizards) or move to a warmer area( for example some fish) before they can move about to hunt for food.

If the temperature gets too hot, ectothermic animals will need to find a cooler temperature or burrow in the ground to keep its body cool.

Endothermic

When the outside temperature is too hot, an endothermic animal can cool off.

Examples: Sweating, Panting, Changing position and changing location.

Ectothermic

If an animal is cold-blooded, they take on the temperature of their surroundings so they don`t have to use food energy to keep warm.

This means they don't have to eat often.

Ectothermic

Cold-blooded

Includes fish,amphibians,and reptiles.

Having internal body temperature that changes with the temperature of the environment.

Ectothermic

They must gain heat to perform internal activities( for example digestion)

If the environment is cold, ectothermic animals become slow-moving and sluggish.

Endothermic

Warm-blooded animals

Includes birds and mammals

Maintain a nearly constant internal temperature

Do not change with the temperature or the environment.

Endothermic

Sweating and panting generates heat loss through evaporating water.

Changing position and location allow the animal to find a cooler environment in the shade or shelter.