Temperature and Geographic Distribution of Homeotherms

Abstract

In this book (p. 422) it was emphasized that temperature is only one of many factors upon which the geographic distribution of organisms depends. This is especially true of warm-blooded animals, whose homeothermy has made them independent, to a certain degree, of external temperature influences. The very fact that with negligible exceptions homeotherms live in the open air means that they must be able to cope with greater temperature fluctuations than must aqueous animals. A direct limitation in the distribution of warm-blooded animals as a result of temperature is usually found only in extreme ranges. Thus, most authors in this field have emphasized that the temperature factor in the distribution of homeotherms should not be overestimated (e.g. Marcus, 1933; Niethammer, 1952). In addition, warm-blooded animals, especially birds, are able to evade seasonal fluctuations in temperature because of their mobility.