Re: CROCODYLOMORPH ENDOTHERMY

[Dinogeorge@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-01-26 21:45:59 EST, pharrinj@PLU.edu (Nicholas J.
Pharris) writes:

>Point taken, but I don't believe that an ectothermic physiology could 
>support such an active, erect animal.
>
>

There is also a breathing problem that an erect posture solves. A sprawling
animal cannot breathe while it is moving fast (see the Cowen paper I
mentioned in an earlier post). An elevated posture alleviates this problem,
even in ectotherms.

Also, an animal's activity is governed more by the efficiency with which
oxygen reaches its cells than by its body temperature. Fish are almost
constantly on the move, yet are almost complete ectotherms. How do they
manage this, if endothermy is necessary to sustain a high level of activity?