Of Mice and Frogs, the Observations of Endothermic and Ectothermic Metabolic Responses to Decreasing Ambient Temperatures: Skript: The objective of this study was to compare the metabolic responses of ectotherms and endotherms to a change in ambient temperature. My goals were to observe and record their behavioral and metabolic responses at varying ambient temperatures. I hypothesize that when temperatures decrease the metabolic response for the ectotherm will decrease and for the endotherm it will increase. Cotton was placed over a small amount of soda lime which was used for absorbing carbon dioxide within a flask. A pipette was inserted into a beaker filled with water and as the mouse used up oxygen, water from the beaker would move up the pipette and show how much oxygen was being used. This procedure was repeated 3 times for 3 minutes each at room temperature. Buccal pumping of the frog at room temperature was measured for 1 minute and the procedure was repeated 3 times. The behavior of the frog was relatively calm. The cage was then placed into a container filled with an ice bath. As the temperature decreased from 10 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius the frog became more active. When the procedure was repeated, counting of the buccal pumps was more difficult to measure because the frog would try to escape. However, the buccal pumps were noticeably slower and movement was sluggish. At about 5 degrees Celsius the amount of oxygen that the mouse breathed in was observed and recorded. Its breathing had visibly increased but otherwise it was quite motionless. The mouse did not attempt to escape nor did it stand up. Instead, the mouse curled up, would shiver, and kept a circular shape. The frog and mouse were later returned to warmer environments. Calculations, conversions and graphing were done to interpret the results of the data. I found that my hypothesis was accepted. Both graphs show that when temperatures decrease, the metabolic response for the ectotherm decreases and for the endotherm it increases. Downloads: The Scientific Paper (Do not copy. Do not redistribute without consent of Garrett Weeks. Thanks is always welcomed.): https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B9JYKA7eLVdEflJNNzRTMVlrcjl1SVM3aFhVUV8ycGRSVXZiWlBtbDZYQkkxajhxN2o0Y0U&usp;=sharing The Music: http://www.thinkwithportals.com/music.php Thanks to everyone who helped me with this report and project. Credibility: I got an A on the Scientific Paper which was proof-read several times and met the lab's specific criteria. The animals used in this experiment were treated with upmost care and were not abused in any way.

• published: 15 Jul 2015
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