Study Guide
Lecture 10 – Temperature Relations
Be able to define ecophysiology (physiological ecology).
Be able to define the concepts of acclimation, adaptation, and behaviour.
Be able to define microclimate and differentiate it from macroclimate.
Understand factors that influence microclimate.
Be familiar with the concept of “thermal tolerance,” and be able to explain the examples covered in
class.
Be familiar with the energy balance equation and its application to the various examples discussed in
class.
Be able to define basic terms related to temperature and energy balance (e.g. endotherm, ectotherm,
homeotherm, poikilotherm, etc.), and be able to recognize and explain representative (or unusual)
examples.
Understand the concept of the “thermal neutral zone,” how it varies for different endotherms, and
why.
Understand (and be able to define) how the behaviour of various organisms affect the individual terms
of the energy balance equation.
Understand alternatives to adaptation or acclimation to temperature extremes, including escape or
death.
Understand that physiological responses and tolerance limits can help us predict or explain large-scale
patterns of extinction (e.g. in the face of climate change).