Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Test

Which of the following is true about mammalian thermoregulation?

1. All mammals can withstand extreme cold

2. Fur loss impairs their thermoregulation

3. Only large mammals can regulate their temperature

4. All mammals regulate body temperature the same way

The correct answer is: Fur loss impairs their thermoregulation

Fur loss impairs thermoregulation because fur provides essential insulation that helps to retain body heat in mammals. This insulation is crucial for maintaining a stable internal temperature, particularly in colder environments. When an animal loses its fur, it becomes more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, as the loss of this insulating layer can lead to greater heat loss. For instance, animals that have undergone fur loss—whether due to illness, stress, or other factors—may struggle to maintain their body temperature and could experience hypothermia in cold conditions. Each species may have different adaptations and strategies for thermoregulation, but fur is a common feature that aids in heat retention for many mammals, emphasizing the importance of this characteristic for effective thermoregulation.