Animal Science

1. Basking in sunlight

radiation of electromagnetic waves from the sun heats the surface that it hits. Radiation could also be heat waves from the animal itself, or some other source.

- black is most absorbent

- animals with black coats will be more affected by heat transferred by radiation

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2. Seeking shade

To escape the sun's very effective heating radiation, animals often look for physical barriers to keep the rays from hitting their skin. Shade from trees, plants, buildings or other shelter is sought out.

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3. Wallowing

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Taking mud baths both cools the animal and protects it from damaging UV rays - a natural sunscreen. Pigs are especially famous for this. Water removes heat 25X faster than circulating air. By being submerged in the water-saturated dirt, the pig is able to get rid of excess heat. This is important because pigs do not sweat!

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4. Kleptothermy (Huddling)

 

Example: penguins.

* Decreases surface area exposed to ambient temperature

* Wind chill is the animal's worst enemy - huddling provides a buffer for animals in the inner circle

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Eskimo dogs - dig under the snow, creating a burrow that actually insulates the animal from the cold temperatures and wind above ground

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5. Body position/placement

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- dispersal of groups

- laying on side - wood, concrete, metal floor

--> temperature differential "steals" heat from animal

- standing

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6. Licking

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Examples: Kangaroos, cats, rabbits

Spreading saliva over the body causes evaporation which removes heat from the surface, allowing more heat to be pulled from the blood vessels.