Q13 - Countercurrent Heat Exchange in Thermoregulation
Strategies for regulating body temperature include controlling the movement of blood between the body core and surface and by countercurrent heat exchangers (Fig.). A, Regulation of heat conductance at body surface; B, thermal countercurrent system; C, body temperature in a bird limb. Ta = ambient temperature. Tf = floor temperature.
Figure 1.
Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.
A. In Fig. A, the shunt vessel to the left is exposed to a lower exterior temperature than the one to the right
B. In Fig. B, a countercurrent system often seen in animals from warm habitats is shown
C. The animal in Fig. C lives in a warm habitat
D. In Fig. C, the venous blood at the arrow has a temperature between 14-15°C
Question reproduced from IBO 2015, Theoretical Exam A, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)