Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
10:07
Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
Published on: November 6, 2015
Temperature regulation and metabolism in developing white-necked ravens
Summary
Young ravens develop endothermy (internal heat production) between 12-14 days old, transitioning from ectothermy. Their oxygen consumption and evaporative water loss increase with age, crucial for thermoregulation.
Area of Science:
- Avian physiology
- Thermoregulation in developing birds
- Metabolic rate and heat exchange
Background:
- Nestling birds initially rely on external heat sources.
- Physiological mechanisms for thermoregulation mature over time.
- Understanding this transition is key to avian development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ontogeny of thermoregulation in raven nestlings.
- To determine the age at which ectothermy transitions to endothermy.
- To characterize changes in oxygen consumption and evaporative water loss with age.
Main Methods:
- Measuring oxygen consumption (Vo2) at various ambient temperatures.
- Assessing evaporative water loss (EWL) across different ages and temperatures.
- Observing behavioral thermoregulatory responses like shivering and panting.
Main Results:
- Nestlings <6 days old were ectothermic; shivering and panting emerged by 7-14 days.
- Oxygen consumption increased with age, peaking in mid-stage nestlings, and varied with temperature.
- Evaporative water loss significantly increased with age, especially at higher temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Raven nestlings transition from ectothermy to endothermy rapidly between 12-14 days of age.
- Metabolic rate (Vo2) at thermoregulatory onset is high compared to adults.
- Heat dissipation strategies shift from passive to evaporative cooling as birds mature.
Related Concept Videos
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
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...
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
Factors may include:
01:24Factors Affecting Respiration
Respiration is a crucial physiological function involving exchanging oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between an organism and its environment. Various factors can impact this essential process:
01:25Metabolic Rate
The human body is a powerhouse of energy, with every cell performing numerous functions that require energy. This energy production and consumption is measured by the metabolic rate, which quantifies the total heat generated by all the body's chemical reactions and mechanical work. This measurement helps to determine the rate of kilocalorie (kcal) consumption needed to fuel all ongoing activities.
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence the...
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence the...
01:26Rate of Change: Problem Solving
Temperature-Dependent Growth of Brook TroutThe growth of brook trout is closely influenced by water temperature. Experimental data demonstrate how trout weight changes over a 24-day period in response to varying water temperatures. At lower temperatures, such as 15.5 degrees Celsius, brook trout show significant weight gain. However, as the temperature increases, the amount of weight gained steadily decreases. At the highest temperature measured, 24.4 degrees Celsius, trout experience a net...