Why am I warm blooded?
Summary
Host Caroline Steele answers listener Matt’s question about why humans are warm-blooded, exploring the evolutionary trade-offs between endotherms and ectotherms. Experts explain how mammals regulate body temperature via metabolism and blood flow, while a hedgehog study illustrates heterothermy and hibernation strategies. The episode contrasts the high energy costs of maintaining constant heat with the efficiency of cold-blooded animals.
Topics discussed
Intro: Hedgehogs and Matt's question on warm-bloodedness
Defining endotherms vs ectotherms and evolutionary origins
Human thermoregulation: Blood flow, sweating, and the hypothalamus
Hedgehog hibernation and heterothermic endothermy
Ads and CrowdScience 10th anniversary listener stories
Tracking hedgehog Harold with thermal radio transmitters
Advantages of ectothermy: Energy efficiency and size
Advantages of endothermy: Independence and metabolic costs
Naming the hedgehog, credits, and outro ads
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