Question

Describe, in general terms, th consequences of their energetics (endothermic) on overall anatomy and physiology in birds and mammals

Answer 1

The birds and mammals have the unique ability to keep their temperature constant irrespective of external temperature. The optimum temperature is required for the optimum activity of the enzymes that play an important in the metabolism and other pathways of mammals and birds. For birds, it is very important to keep the high metabolic activity in order to keep flying for the long time. Endothermy also helps in reproduction as it give an ability to expand the range of temperature over which a species can reproduce. Also, endothermy helps in fighting fungal infections. The low is the value of area to volume, slow be the loss of the heat. Hence, the body structure of both birds and mammals are in a specific way to maintain constant temperature.