BIRDS, MAMMALS and OTHER ANIMALS

Exciting pictures & detailed, specialized in-
formation on a wide variety of species and
their adaptations. Coverage includes birds,
primates,endangered, exotics,scavengers,
marine, nocturnal,aggression, learning,etc.

COLD WEATHER SURVIVAL
The adaptations by means of which both warm and cold blooded animals, inverte- brates and vertebrates, survive the rigors of winter. 3 pgms. 62 slides, detailed texts.
EP #461X SLIDES
$99.95

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SAVE OVER $27.00 ON 3 SLIDE SET BUNDLE ORDER EP #461X..........$99.95
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WINTER SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES OF WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS Order #461.....$42.50

Describes various measures used by homoiothermic animals to cope with winter
stresses. Discusses migration, hibernation, predator evasion, energy conservation and
changes in food habits. Animals pictured include polar bear, jay, caribou, gull, deer,
grouse, ptarmigan, hare, mouse, squirrels, foxes, chickadee, musk ox, mallard, bear,
woodchuck, bats and bighorn sheep. 20 slides and guide.

CONTENT SAMPLE: 4974 Arctic polar bears (Thalarctos maritimus) have successfully
adapted to one of the world’s most inhospitable climates, and remain active throughout the harsh
winter, although pregnant females do rest in a lethargic state in dens in the snow, and give birth
there.

The creamy white fur of the polar bear is especially dense and the individual hairs are
hollow, containing insulating air spaces. This heavy fur and a fat layer helps retain body heat
even while the animal is swimming in the coldest arctic weather. The fur does not absorb water
and once the animal climbs out, it merely has to shake itself to become nearly dry.

In all homoiotherms, including the polar bear, thermoregulation is controlled by the tuber
cinereum of the hypothalamus. When this small downward projection at the base of the brain is
removed surgically, the animal loses the ability to regulate its temperature and, essentially,
becomes “cold-blooded.”

The tuber cinereum is stimulated either by nerve impulses from cold receptors in the
skin or by direct blood cooling. It is very sensitive and will react to temperature changes of only a
few tenths of a degree. If the body temperature is too cold, the thermoregulator stimulates a
thyroid secretion which increases the rate of metabolism. If the body temperature continues to
drop, the work of internal organs like the liver may be increased and muscle activity in the form of
shivering may begin, for muscular work is the main source of heat available to animals. A further
drop in temperature may bring on nonshivering thermogenesis.

REVIEWS: “The quality of each slide is outstanding...definitely recommended for
academic high school and college level biology classes.” Previews.
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WINTER SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES OF COLD-BLOODED ANIMALS Order #462.....$42.50

Describes methods used by poikilothermic creatures to survive the winter.
Discussions include migration, hibernation, and survival via eggs and various larval
stages. Coverage includes fish, various reptiles and amphibians, molluscs, worm,
arachnids, and numerous orders of insects. 20 slides and guide.

CONTENT SAMPLE: 21651 Although reptiles and amphibians are classified as poikilo-
therms, they do regulate their own body temperatures to a surprising extent. This thermoregula-
tion is behavioral rather than metabolic as in the homoiotherms, however.

It is usually assumed that reptiles have a body temperature roughly equal to that of the
substratum, but it has been shown that the temperature of reptiles is usually higher than that of
the surrounding air. In fact, the body temperatures of lizards such as this leopard lizard
(Crataphytus wislizeni ) may be as much as 40° or 50° higher than the air temperature. For
example, a lizard lying on a black rock on a cool but sunny day will take on the temperature of
the rock rather than that of the air.

If its body temperature is too low, the lizard may flatten itself against the rock, absorbing
heat from the sun and more heat from the rock. If it gets too hot, it may leave the rock or stand
up slightly to allow some air to pass underneath it. Snakes can regulate their temperature by
placing different proportions of their bodies in sun or in shade. The variations are numerous, but
the end result is the same--some degree of temperature regulation in reptiles.

The leopard lizard is an inhabitant of arid and semiarid plains where the dominant
vegetation is bunchgrass or sagebrush. It lies in ambush in shade, camouflaged by its spotted
pattern, and waits for unwary insects to wander near. Cicadas, grasshoppers crickets, spiders,
small lizards, blossoms and seeds are all eaten to some degree.

Like rattlesnakes, leopard lizards spend the winter in underground crevices. But this
lizard is not found so far north, and so does not go as deep underground and does not pass the
winter in masses.

REVIEWS: “Students will enjoy learning more about this subject. The text...will
motivate the curious to further study. A recommended purchase...” Previews.
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TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN VERTEBRATE CLASSES Order #SS-0970S......$42.50

Illustrates with photos and artwork the evolution of various adaptations that have
allowed vertebrates to successfully exploit the wide variety of thermal environments
encountered on earth. Some recent paleontological discoveries which suggest that
dinosaurs were endothermic are presented. Ectothermy and endothermy are contrasted,
along with facultative heterothermy and hypothermia, from physiological and behavioral
perspectives. 22 slides and guide. (Filmstrip order SS-0970F......$15.00.)

CONTENT SAMPLE: 3. Animals differ in their abilities to regulate body temperature
(thermoregulation). We are all familiar with the terms "cold-blooded" and "warm-blooded." Most
reptiles feel cold to our touch, while mammals and birds often feel warm. But these are
subjective and inaccurate evaluations and, as such, are avoided by scientists.

Somewhat more precise descriptions can be made by using the terms poikilothermic
and homeothermic (or homoiothermic). The body temperature of poikilotherms is relatively
variable, while that of homeotherms is relatively constant.

Even more useful terms are ectothermic and endothermic, which suggest two different
mechanisms of thermoregulation. Ectotherms generally obtain heat from their external
environment. Their body temperature varies, corresponding at any time with the temperature of
their external environment. Invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles are generally
ectothermic.

Endothermic animals, on the other hand, have relatively constant body temperatures.
Their body temperature is independent of that of their external environment. Monkeys and
walruses, for example, both have body temperatures of about 38° C, despite living in very different
habitats. Endothermy necessitates an array of physiological and morphological adaptations, with
two results: the body temperature of endotherms is derived from heat produced by their own
oxidative metabolism, and the presence of insulating hair, feathers or blubber prevents this
internally generated heat from freely diffusing to the external environment. Most mammals and
birds are continuously endothermic, although some hibernate or estivate and thereby temporarily
avoid the high metabolic cost of endothermy.
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~1080-09~ Polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus). photo by Charles R. Belinky, Ph.D.

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