Thermoregulation and temperature relations of alligators and other large ectotherms inhabiting thermally stressed habitats. Progress report, 1 October 1974--30 September 1977
Significant progress has been made in determining the mechanisms by which large ectotherms adjust to thermal stress in their natural environment. The effect of mouth gaping on head temperatures and the role of radiation, conduction and convection on body temperatures of alligators have been determined. The utility of energy budget modeling as a method for studying the thermoregulatory mechanisms of animals has been demonstrated. Steady state and time dependent models of body temperature have been tested. Convection coefficients and evaporative water loss rates have been measured for the turtle, Chysemys scripta. Climate space diagrams have been formulated and are being tested. Behavioral thermoregulation of turtles has been studied in PAR pond on the Savannah River Plant, Aiken, S.C. Steady state energy budget equations have been computed for largemouth bass. Experimental heat transfer coefficients indicate that most heat transfer is through the body wall and not via the gills. A time dependent model is being tested. It predicts the body temperature of a fish in a heterothermal environment. Theoretical calculations have been made of the effects of body size, color, and metabolism on the temperature regulation of ectotherms.
- Research Organization:
- State Univ. Coll., Buffalo, NY (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-S-02-2502
- OSTI ID:
- 7218603
- Report Number(s):
- COO-2502-14; TRN: 77-017630
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Continuation of studies on thermoregulation of fish and turtles in thermally stressed habitats. Summary progress report, 1 October 1977-30 September 1980
Thermoregulation and temperature relations of alligators and other large ectotherms inhabiting thermally stressed habitats. Annual progress report, 1 July 1976--30 September 1977. [Ecology of Par Pond, Savannah River Reservation]
Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALLIGATORS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
FISHES
TURTLES
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ECOSYSTEMS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
REPTILES
US AEC
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
VERTEBRATES
520100* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)
551000 - Physiological Systems
520400 - Environment
Aquatic- Thermal Effluents Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
560205 - Thermal Effects- Vertebrates- (-1987)