An iguana swimming in water colder than its body temperature
A) balances the loss through metabolism.
B) gains heat from the water by reverse conduction.
C) loses heat by conduction and convection.
D) retains heat by increasing its heart rate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an iguana swims in water colder than its body temperature, it loses heat through conduction and convection. Conduction is the transfer of heat energy between objects that are in contact, and convection is the transfer of heat energy by the circulation or movement of a fluid (in this case, water) past the iguana's body. As a result, the iguana may need to bask in the sun or increase its metabolism to maintain its body temperature. Choice A is incorrect because balancing the loss through metabolism is not a mechanism for heat transfer. Choice B is incorrect because reverse conduction is not a well-defined term and does not explain how heat is gained by the iguana. Choice D is incorrect because increasing the heart rate can help distribute heat to different parts of the body, but it does not explain how heat is retained.

An Iguana Swimming in Water Colder Than Its Body Temperature