Animal Science

There are five major means by which heat may be transferred between materials: conduction, convection, radiation, evaporation and condensation. Animals are able to regulate their temperature by manipulating these mechanisms. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms will help us as stewards of animals better manage and care for their health.

Some animals are able to regulate their own body temperature independent of the environment via physiological means while others must rely on environmental circumstances to regulate their body temperature. Click here to learn about the difference between endotherms and ectotherms!

The range of temperatures at which animals are comfortable varies from species to species, and this is called the thermo-neutral zone. This zone may vary depending on environmental conditions such as wind chill as well as unique individual characteristics that may be different even within a species.

Unconscious biological mechanisms are employed to coordinate biochemical processes related to organ or cellular function in order to fine-tune the animal's body temperature. This type of regulation occurs mostly in endotherms.

Both endotherms and ectotherms consciously change their behavior in order to maintain a constant and safe body temperature. Click here to learn about common animal behaviors related to temperature control!