Question

Define acclimatization and explain how it relates to seasonal changes in insulation in endotherms.

Answer 1

Acclimatization is the adaptation or adjustment by our body in high altitude. While staying at high altitudes for long duration of time, a person slowly gets adapted to the low oxygen tension, so that hypoxic effects are reduced.

Changes during acclimatization are

1. Increase RBC count.

2. Overall activity of cardiovascular system is increased. Increase rate and force of contraction of heart.

3. Pulmonary ventilation increases

4. Number of mitochondria in cells increases.

seasonal changes are also considered under acclimatization.

For example, people living in cold climate acclimatize to that weather by bringing few adaptations like-

1. Increase hair growth on skin for insulation.

2. Increase cardiac rate to supply more energy and heat.

3. More shivering is produced which produces more heat.

4. Percentages body fat increases as fats are good insulators of heat.