Facultative and Regional Endothermy
Facultative and Regional Endothermy
Facultative and Regional Endothermy
Several insect species are capable to sustain a thoracic temperature greater than the ambient
temperature. These are recognized as facultative or exercise endotherms. The honey bee, for
instance, does so by constricting antagonistic escape muscles by not moving its wings. This ia
a form of thermogenesis and this is well-organized above a definite temperature threshold.
When it falls below a particular temperature of about 9–14 degree Celcius (48–57 °F), the
honey bee reverts to ectothermy. Facultative endothermy can be observed in numerous snake
species that utilize their metabolic heat to temperate their eggs. Few ectotherms like
numerous species of fish and reptiles have been revealed the use of regional endothermy,
where muscle motion results in specific parts of the body staying behind at higher
temperatures. This allows better movement and utilization of the senses during the cold
environments.