Endothermy and activity in vertebrates.
Resting and maximal levels of oxygen consumption of endothermic vertebrates exceed those of ectotherms by an average of five- to tenfold. Endotherms have a much broader range of activity that can be sustained by this augmented aerobic metabolism. Ectotherms are more reliant upon, and limited by, anaerobic metabolism during activity. A principal factor in the evolution of endothermy was the increase in aerobic capacities to support sustained activity.
D000220:Adaptation, Biological; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000096:biosynthesis; D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D008124:Locomotion; D009043:Motor Activity; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012641:Selection, Genetic; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000502:physiology*
D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate