- F. Harvey Pough, F. Harvey PoughProfessor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
- William E. Bemis, William E. BemisProfessor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Faculty Curator of Ichthyology, Cornell University
- Betty McguireBetty McguireSenior Lecturer, Cornell University
- , and Christine M. JanisChristine M. JanisProfessor Emerita of Biology, Brown University, USA, Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
Abstract
This chapter looks at the concept of ectothermy and endothermy in relation to regulating body temperature. It highlights the importance of controlling body temperature. Vertebrates employ a variety of behavioral and physiological mechanisms to control body temperature. The evolution of endothermy was a major event in vertebrate evolution, especially within the sauropsid and synapsid lineages. Moreover, the processes of endothermy and ectothermy are not mutually exclusive since many tetrapods combine elements of both modes. The consequences of ectothermy and endothermy shaped the lifestyles of different vertebrates and this informs some important consequences of these lifestyles in the context of ecosystems.
