Sources of Energy for Body Temperature Control A. Energy through Conduction 1. Transfer of energy directly from one molecule to another 2. Prevents heat transfer because of low thermal conductivity. Water is a good conductor. Heat moves through water, which can accelerate heat transfer.
Animals living in water tend to lose heat to water quickly.
B. Convection 1. Transfer of energy through bulk movements of medium, e.g. water currents or air currents 2. For terrestrial animals, movement of air accounts for significant loss of heat due to wind chill. C. Radiation 1. Transfer of heat via the gain or loss of electromagnetic radiation, e.g. infrared, ultravioloet, microwaves, visible light.