Unit 2 Biology

NAME:

Skin and temperature control practical

Pre-lab activity (key concepts)
Before you commence this activity, make sure you are familiar with the concepts
and terms listed below. In the space provided, write your understanding of each
term.
Thermoregulation:
Homeostasis:
Evaporation:
Convection:
Negative feedback model:

Introduction:
Body temperature in humans is normally around 37 C. This temperature varies
little, even when external conditions change dramatically. What are some of the
adaptations that mammals have to help them to maintain a fairly constant body
temperature?
Purpose: This experiment uses modeling to investigate heat loss from an
exposed surface such as the skin.

Materials:
Each group will require:
- hot water
- 4 test tubes
- 4 thermometers
- 4 beakers
- Measuring cylinder

Procedure:

cardboard cylinder
stop watch
fan
spray water bottle of warm water
cotton wool

Part A: Effect of insulation on heat loss

Take three test tubes, label them A, B and C, and place each into a
separate beaker.

Surround test tube A with cotton wool. Surround test tube B in a cardboard
cylinder then the same amount of cotton wool (as test tube A) around the
outside of the cylinder (so that there is a layer of air between the test tube
and the insulation).Cover the top of the cylinder so the air is trapped.
Test tube C has no insulating material around it.

Fill all three test tubes with 20mL of water at approximately 80 C.

Insert a thermometer in each test tube and record the temperature as

soon as possible after the water is added. Record the temperature every
minute for 10 minutes in the results table below.

Graph your results

Part B: Effect of moisture on heat loss

Take four test tubes and surround each with cotton wool. Place one in
each of four beakers labeled 1,2,3 and 4.

Spray the outside of test tube1 and 3 with warm water.

Place test tubes 1 and 2 in front of a fan and test tubes 3 and 4 in an area
without air movement.

Fill all four test tubes with 20mL of water at approximately 80 C.

Insert a thermometer into each test tube and record the temperature as
soon as possible after the water is added. Record the temperature every
10 minutes in the results table below.

Graph your results in the space provided.

Results:
Part A
Test Tube

Start 1min 2min 3min 4min 5min 6min 7min 8min 9min 10min

A (cotton
wool)
B
(cardboard)
C (no
covering)
Results:
Part B
Test Tube
1 (warm
water/fan)
2 (fan)
3 (warm
water)
4 (no
change)

Start 1min 2min 3min 4min 5min 6min 7min 8min 9min 10min

Discussion questions:
1. Which test tube in part A was the more effective at reducing heat loss?
Can you suggest what makes this set up the most effective at reducing
heat loss?

2. What structural feature of mammals is the cotton wool simulating?

3. How can an insulating layer of air be achieved by mammals?

4. How can the results from test tube B, in Part A, be used to explain the
observation that a cat looks larger on cold days compared to hotter days?

5. Which test tube in Part B was the most effective at increasing heat loss?

6. Which part of this experiment modeled the role of perspiration in

maintaining body temperature? Explain.

7. Were any experimental controls used in Part A and Part B of this

investigation? If so, explain what these were.

8. Why are animals like frogs at greater risk of perishing on a windy hot day?
Explain this, using experimental results to support your answer.

9. When the body temperature in mammals starts to drop, a number of

things happen. Describe some of these physiological and behavioural
responses. Are any of these responses being modeled in this experimental
set-up? Explain.

10. When the body temperature in mammals starts to increase, a different set
of physiological and behavioural responses occur. Describe these
responses. Are any of these responses being modeled in this experimental
set-up? Explain.

Conclusion:
Refer back to the purpose of this activity. Have you achieved this purpose?
Write a conclusion based on what you have learnt by undertaking this activity.