Ocean Temperature and the effect on Marine Species
Another adaptation that some homeotherms adopt is a countercurrent heat method. (Levinton, J 2001) Within homeotherms it is important that arterial blood is kept warm and the countercurrent heat method allows them to do this. The arteries are surrounded by their veins, this allows the veins to conserve the heat radiated by the arteries which will in turn be returned to arteries throughout the next cycle of respiration. The countercurrent heat method can be seen in marine animals such as Whales, Dolphins and Shipjack Tuna. (Levinton, J 2001) Click image to the right for more information
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Homeotherms
Homeotherms are organisms in which they maintain a constant internal temperature, they are organisms in which they lose heat rapidly to their surrounding environment (Levinton, J 2001). There are many homeotherms that are affected by the temperature of the ocean such as marine birds, whales, porpoises, seals and otters.
As homeotherms lose a vast amount of heat to their surrounding environment it is especially important that their bodies try to conserve as much heat as possible. The body surface of an animal is the first way in which heat can be lost to the surroundings so a well insulated body is especially important. Marine birds have a series of interlocking contour feathers that enable them to conserve an insulating layer of trapped air which in turn allows them to keep warm under the cold conditions of the ocean (Levinton, J 2001).
Whales, Seals and Porpoises have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat that allows them to conserve some body heat when surrounded by cold ocean temperatures, this is sometimes referred to as blubber which can be seen in the figure to the left. Otters do not have a thick layer of fat but have a thick layer of fur that allows them to keep warm when surrounded by the cold ocean water (Levinton, J 2001). Click image for more information about whales
In contrast to Homeotherms, Poikilotherms are very different, more information can be found clicking the button below