Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026
07:54
Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
Evolution of thermal sensitivity of ectotherm performance
1Raymond Huey and Joel Kingsolver are at the Dept of Zoology NJ-15, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|January 14, 2011
Summary
Ectotherms
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Ectothermal animals exhibit variable body temperatures.
- Physiological rates in ectotherms are sensitive to temperature.
- Body temperature significantly influences ectotherm performance, ecology, and fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To formalize a framework for studying the evolution of thermal sensitivity in ectotherms.
- To outline functional and genetic constraints on the evolution of thermal sensitivity.
- To summarize advances in the comparative and experimental study of ectotherm thermal sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research.
- Framework formalization for evolutionary analysis.
- Synthesis of comparative and experimental findings.
Main Results:
- A framework for investigating the evolution of thermal sensitivity is presented.
- Functional and genetic constraints on thermal sensitivity evolution are identified.
- Current research advances in the field are summarized.
Conclusions:
- Understanding thermal sensitivity is crucial for ectotherm physiology, ecology, and evolution.
- The presented framework aids in studying the evolutionary trajectory of thermal sensitivity.
- Further research integrating comparative and experimental approaches is needed.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Thermoregulation
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...
01:32What is Natural Selection?
Natural selection is an evolutionary process in which individuals with survival-promoting traits reproduce at higher rates. These favorable traits become more common within a population or species. Naturally selected traits initially arise via random genetic mutations. In order for selection to occur, there must be variation within a population, the trait controlling the variation must be heritable, and there must be an evolutionary advantage for variation in the trait.The Theory of Natural...
01:43Thermosensation
Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
01:01Production Efficiency
Net production efficiency (NPE) is the efficiency at which organisms assimilate energy into biomass for the next trophic level. Due to low metabolic rates and less energy spent on thermoregulatory processes, the NPE of ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) is 10 times higher than endotherms (warm-blooded animals).
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:07Body Temperature
Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...