How does a tiger maintain its body temperature?

A tiger's body temperature, like other mammals, is maintained through a series of physiological mechanisms that work in conjunction to balance heat production and loss. Here are the key factors involved in temperature maintenance:

1. Insulation: Tigers have thick fur that provides insulation. The dense coat helps to trap air and reduce heat loss, particularly in cold environments.

2. Vasodilation and Vasoconstriction: Tigers can adjust the blood flow to their skin through vasodilation and vasoconstriction. When the external temperature is high, blood vessels near the skin dilate, increasing blood flow to the surface and promoting heat dissipation. Conversely, when the temperature drops, blood vessels constrict, reducing blood flow to the skin and conserving body heat.

3. Panting: Tigers pant to cool down when they are hot. Panting involves rapid, shallow breathing that helps to increase evaporative cooling. As moisture evaporates from the mouth and respiratory tract, it takes heat away from the body, aiding in temperature regulation.

4. Sweating: Although tigers do not sweat profusely like humans, they do have sweat glands on the pads of their feet. Sweating helps in heat dissipation when the ambient temperature is high.

5. Behavioral Adaptations: Tigers exhibit behavioral strategies to regulate their body temperature. They tend to seek shade during hot periods and move to sunny areas when temperatures are cooler. They may also submerge themselves in water to reduce body heat.

6. Resting Metabolism: Tigers have a relatively low resting metabolic rate compared to other animals of similar size. This means they produce less heat when at rest, which helps conserve energy and minimizes the risk of overheating.

7. Brown Adipose Tissue: Tigers, like other mammals, have brown adipose tissue (BAT), specialized tissue that generates heat when activated. BAT is commonly found in newborn tigers and helps maintain body temperature during cold weather conditions.

8. Thermoregulation in Cubs: Tiger cubs have a higher surface area to volume ratio compared to adult tigers, making them more susceptible to heat loss. Mother tigers often build nests with dry grass and leaves to provide insulation and warmth for their cubs until they develop sufficient insulation and thermoregulatory mechanisms of their own.

By combining these physiological and behavioral adaptations, tigers can maintain a relatively constant internal body temperature within a range that supports their survival, even in varying environmental conditions.