Thermostability — Lowest and Highest Species

Thermostability is lowest in ____________ & highest in ____________

Correct Answer: Camel (lowest) & Buffalo and Sheep (highest)

Thermostability refers to the capacity of an animal to maintain a constant core body temperature in the face of thermal challenge.

Why Camel Has Lowest Thermostability?

• Camels practice adaptive heterothermy — they deliberately allow their body temperature to fluctuate widely: ~34°C at night → ~41°C during the day (a 7°C swing)
• This conserves precious body water by reducing the need for evaporative cooling during the hottest period
• Camel can tolerate dehydration of up to 25–30% body weight without dying — unlike most mammals
• Though adaptive, this wide temperature fluctuation = low thermostability (temperature is NOT maintained stably)

Buffalo and Sheep — Highest Thermostability

• Buffalo maintain stable core temperature through efficient cardiovascular and evaporative cooling mechanisms
• Sheep rely heavily on respiratory evaporation (panting) to stabilize body temperature

Heat Stress Susceptibility

• Most susceptible to heat stress: Pig (limited sweating, poor panting)
• Pig thermoregulates behaviorally by wallowing in mud or water