Question

Ectotherms are more common in some ecosystems than in others. Where are ectotherms the LEAST common, and for what reason?

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is A. a very cold ecosystem, because they would lose too much body heat

Explanation:

Unlike endotherms, ectotherms mainly depend on external heat sources, and their body temperature changes with the environmental temperature.

Their body temperature increases and decreases according to the external temperature. Although they might generate metabolic heat, they can not increase this heat production to maintain their internal temperature.

Ectotherms can regulate their temperature by looking for areas that satisfy their needs, like direct sun, or some shadow. But they always need sources that provide them with heat.

It is very unlikely that ectotherms live in a very cold ecosystem because, as they depend on warm places or areas, they would lose too much body heat. Also, as they can only produce metabolic heat, it would be impossible or them to gain it again.  

Answer 2

Answer:

a.  a very cold ecosystem, because they would lose too much body heat

Explanation:

Ectotherms would be least common in very cold ecosystem, because they would lose too much body heat.

Generally, ectotherms are organisms whose internal physiological temperature requirement depends on external sources. They generate very little heat internally and as such, rely on heat sources in the environment for the necessary physiological heat for their bodies.

Consequently, ectotherms live in environments where temperature are more or less constant or constantly seek out external sources of heat for their bodies.

In a very cold environment, the opportunity to seek out external source of heat would not be possible for ectotherms, and body heat would be lost to the environment in the process of maintaining constant body temperature. Hence, they are least likely to occupy this kind of environment.

The correct option is a.