Ecological Studies of Vertebrates at Alma College
1. How do freshwater turtles influence their body temperatures?
They elevate their body temperature.
2. Why is it important for a painted turtle to elevate its body temperature?
For physiological processes such as muscle contraction
3. Other than thermoregulation, what are two other functions of atmospheric basking?
Vitamin D synthesis and to get rid of parasites.
4. What does it mean to be a “dietary specialist” and why is a ribbon snake an example of
a dietary specialist?
A dietary specialist is an animal that only eats a certain species. A ribbon snake is an
example of a dietary specialist because they only eat amphibians.
5. How are the growth rates, an important life history component, studied in ribbon
snakes?
They put tags in the snakes and then release them where they found them. They then try
to recollect the snakes the following year to compare results.
6. How are the foraging activities and migration capabilities of birds related to
endothermy?
They must eat a lot to be able to produce enough energy to keep their body temperature
warm.
