Question

if you had a pet alligator and a pet cow of the same weight, which one would consume more food over a yeare's time? and Why?

Answer 1

Let's start with the basics: Cold blooded (Poikilothermal) and Warm blooded (Ectothermal).

Alligator is a reptile which is poikilothermic and Cow is an ectothermic animal.

A poikiolothermic animal's body temperature is not stable and it fluctuates according to their environment. That is the reason they become inactive in cold weather. To be active they must gain the energy from sun. They also don't have a temperature maintaining mechanism. So, a small amount of food will do the work.

In contrast, an endothermic animal maintains its body temperature constant regardless of the temperature outside.

A larger fluctuation is harmful for them.

To be able to maintain a constant body temperature the animal needs to eat more and more to have an active metabolism and it must produce heat more than it loses into the environment.

Answer: A PET COW WILL EAT MORE IN COMPARISON TO THE PET ALIGATOR.