To find out how warm-blooded animals survive in the Arctic conditions.

Background information:

The Arctic conditions are extreme; they consist of sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow, strong winds and ice. To survive these conditions animals must keep a constant body temperature to maintain the optimum temperature for essential chemical reactions to take place. If a living cell cools to a temperature below 0°C then ice crystals can form which will puncture the cell membrane causing the cell to burst. If a living cell reaches temperatures above 45°C then the proteins (including enzymes) are denatured; therefore no longer work. This means that the thermal limits for life are 0-45°C. Animals must regulate their body temperatures' between these bounds to survive. Mammals and birds stay closer to the upper bound.

Respiration

Glucose + oxygen Carbon dioxide + water + energy

C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy

Animals lose heat more...