Metabolism, Thermoregulation, Birds

Metabolism is the complex set of physical and chemical processes which occur within organisms and enable them to maintain their internal environment, grow, and reproduce. It is the key factor in all biological processes. In birds, thermoregulation is the process of maintaining an optimum body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment. Birds have special physiological, behavioral and structural adaptations that enable them to remain within their own, defined temperature range. This is important for survival since their high metabolic rates and small body sizes mean that they need to remain within that range or else risk hypothermia or hyperthermia. Metabolism and thermoregulation are also essential for flight in birds, an energy-intensive activity. The processes of metabolism and thermoregulation are intertwined and are both essential for the survival and evolution of birds.