Comparative Physiology of Thermoregulation

Comparative Physiology of Thermoregulation, Volume III: Special Aspects of Thermoregulation attempts to do three things: It completes the taxonomic organization of the first two volumes, with a chapter on the ""primitive"" mammals. It deals with special aspects of thermoregulation. Aquatic mammals must be considered in this category because they are the only ""warm-blooded"" animals that live in a medium which has an enormous cooling power compared with that of air. Torpidity is a dramatic thermoregulatory phenomenon displayed by only certain groups of mammals, while the newborn mammal faces special problems in thermoregulation that distinguish it from the adult. Finally, the last chapter complements the arrangement of the first two volumes by its treatment of the evolution of thermoregulation from the standpoint of physiological systems rather than classes of animals.
It was initially hoped that this three-volume treatise would provide a useful reference work for the comparative physiologist. The reception accorded to the first two volumes suggests that this hope has been largely realized. However, it appears that the books have their greatest appeal to those engaged in the study of physiological ecology, and this lends to the work a currency which was not entirely anticipated at the time of its conception.

Contenu

List of Contributors
Preface
Contents of Other Volumes

1. "Primitive" Mammals
   I. Introduction
   II. Phylogeny of Primitive Mammals
   III. Body Temperature under Nonstress Conditions
   IV. Basal or Standard Metabolic Rate
   V. Responses of Primitive Mammals to Cold
   VI. Thermoregulatory Responses to Heat
   VII. Conclusions
   References
2. Aquatic Mammals
   I. Aquatic and Diving Mammals
   II. Body Temperature
   III. Metabolic Heat Production
   IV. Insulation
   V. Development of Thermoregulation in Infant Aquatic Mammals
   VI. Aquatic Man
   VII. Conclusions
   References
3. Torpidity in Mammals
   I. Introduction
   II. Evolution
   III. Energy Conservation
   IV. Patterns of Torpor
   V. Cellular and Organ Adaptations for Low Body Temperatures
   VI. Regulation of the Cardiovascular System
   VII. Nervous System
   VIII. Endocrine Glands
   IX. Biochemical Adaptations
   X. Acclimation
   XI. Endogenous and Exogenous Rhythms
   XII. Sleep and Hibernation
   XIII. Physiological Changes Accompanying Hibernation
   References
4. Thermoregulation in Young Mammals
   I. Introduction
   II. Body Size and Thermoregulation
   III. Behavioral Thermoregulation
   IV. Physical Thermoregulation
   V. Heat Production
   VI. The Poikilothermic Response of Newborn Mammals
   VII. Special Problems Immediately following Birth
   VIII. Conclusions
   References
5. Evolution of Thermoregulation
   I. Introduction
   II. Body Size, Shape, and Composition
   III. Body Temperature
   IV. Heat Production
   V. Heat Loss
   VI. Behavior
   VII. Thermoregulatory Control Mechanisms
   VIII. Ontogeny of Thermoregulation
   IX. Conclusions
   References
   Author Index
   Subject Index