Temperature and Heat Relations

Abstract

All mammals are primarily tachymetabolic or homeothermic animals. In general, tachymetaboly requires a more or less strict control of body temperature within rather fine limits. These limits — the “comfort — zone” vary among different species. Within the comfort zone an animal does not have to expend energy to maintain a stable temperature. The preferred body temperature of most mammals at rest is usually within the range of 36° C to 38° C. In an individual animal the temperature may vary considerably at any one time, usually being most constant in the deep body or “core” and varying, either hotter or colder, at the surface and at the extremities.