Conditions influencing the appearance of thermal windows and the distribution of surface temperature in hauled-out southern elephant seals.

ABSTRACT: Pinnipeds (true seals, sea lions and walruses) inhabit two thermally different environments, air and water, so need to make continuous adjustments to maintain a balanced body temperature. The thermal isolation properties of thick blubber keep warmth within the body's core, ideal for mammals while in the water; however, when on land, this thick blubber makes it difficult to lose heat. Some pinnipeds use thermal windows, discrete patches where temperature changes on their body surface, as a mechanism to dissipate excessive heat. We identify the factors that correlate with the appearance of thermal windows and changes in body surface temperature on southern elephant seals, Mirounga leonina, while they are hauled out ashore. Infrared thermography was used to measure surface temperature

SUBMITTER: Guerrero AI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8216107 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature