Question

Which of the following groups include endothermic animals?
A. Crocodile, alligator, turtle
B. Whale, pigeon, bat
C. Seahorse, dogfish, catfish
D. Toad, frog, salamander

Answer 1

Hint: The endothermic animals are those that maintain a constant body temperature irrespective of the environment. Endothermic animals are also called warm-blooded animals. Most of the mammals and birds are endothermic in nature.

Complete answer: Endothermic animals are those that maintain their body temperature at a constant rate by internal heat released by metabolic functions. The endothermic animals are warm-blooded animals and can survive more appropriately than other animals. The endotherms are not usually affected by the temperature. But in cold conditions, these animals develop some special mechanisms like shivering to maintain homeostasis in their body. Homeostasis refers to a condition that creates a balance in components of the body. The body cells of endotherms contain a large number of mitochondria. More mitochondria ensure high metabolic rates. Therefore, it is the reason for internal heat production. Warm-blooded animals have more energy and food requirements due to this reason.
Small animals have a greater threat of heat loss due to their large surface area. Thus, small animals are insulated by fur or feathers. Also, excessive heat is a threat to warm-blooded animals. Thus, they maintain this by panting. Most of the mammals and bird species are warm-blooded animals. The whale is a mammal and pigeons and bats are birds. Thus, they are endothermic animals.
Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Note: Different warm-blooded animals develop different mechanisms for the maintenance of heat in their bodies. Humans maintain homeostasis by sweating. Elephants maintain by fanning their huge ears, which causes the blood to cool down to a normal temperature.