Temperature Influences Endotherm's Oxygen Intake

Abstract

Why do certain animals eat more at certain temperatures than others or than they do at other temperatures? The answer to this question is that animals eat more depending on whether or not they are endothermic or ectothermic along with their surface area to volume ratio. In order to test the rate of oxygen consumption for mice, we manipulated the temperature of their surroundings using ice and water for a colder climate and a heating pad for a warmer climate. The control in the experiment was room temperature. Mice, being mammals and endotherms have to maintain a constant body temperature in a cold environment to survive since they are losing heat and consuming more oxygen.