Animals react differently to the temperature conditions of their environment. In this regard, some representatives of the fauna are called warm-blooded, while others are referred to as cold-blooded. What features can be noticed in each case, and how do warm-blooded people differ from cold-blooded ones? This is discussed below.
Who belongs to either group
Warm-blooded among modern animals are almost all mammals: elephants, tigers, cows and many others. The only unique representative that stands out from this row is a small rodent called the naked mole rat. From the point of view of biology, man is also a “brother” of mammals. Therefore, it belongs to the warm-blooded. This category also includes birds.
Meanwhile, the entire group of invertebrates (insects, worms, molluscs and others) corresponds to the characteristic " cold-blooded". Some vertebrates are also ranked here: reptiles, amphibians and inhabitants of exclusively water elements - fish.
Comparison
The names of the two discussed categories of animals speak for themselves. What is the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded? The fact is that in the former, the body temperature is never too low, while it is relatively constant, despite the frost or heat from the outside. Cold-blooded ones "cool down" when the weather becomes harsh, or "heat up" at the same time as the environment.
How do warm-blooded people manage to keep their body temperature constant? Self-regulation mechanisms are responsible for this. From the inside, the animals are heated by energy that appears after food processing or as a result of physical activity. A dense feather cover, thick fur, a layer of fat under the skin help not to lose heat. The body is cooled due to the secretion of sweat. In addition, feeling discomfort due to a strong cold snap or heat, the animal can change its location, for example, hide in the shade from the scorching rays.
Cold-blooded representatives are not able to regulate and maintain body temperature at the same level, using the resources of their body. Internal processes that contribute to the production of heat are greatly slowed down, therefore, if their own temperature exceeds the ambient one, it is only slightly. And when it gets too cold in nature, these creatures temporarily stop their activity - they fall into suspended animation.
What is the difference between warm-blooded and cold-blooded? In the advantages that both have. So, the cold-blooded, thanks to suspended animation, even without food, are capable of self-preservation with a critical drop in temperature. This is not typical for the representatives of the second group; in case of frost, without obtaining food, they can die. Meanwhile, it is warm-bloodedness that is recognized as a more advantageous feature of animals. Possessing this property of the organism, they remain active in any climatic conditions, while showing the best survival rate.
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