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Discuss the Advantages and Disadvantages of being Ectothermic and Endothermic for Vertebrates. Vertebrates can be found all over the world, from the freezing poles to the hot deserts. The normal air temperature in these regions varies from -40?C to 50?C respectively. The majority of living organisms exist within confined limits of temperature, (approximately 10-35?C), but various organisms show adaptations enabling them to exploit geographical areas at both extremes of temperature. Temperature indicates the amount of heat energy in a system, and is a major factor determining the rate of chemical reactions. The most important reactions which are inhibited by inappropriate temperature are those that are catalysed by enzymes. Below freezing point, cells may freeze, and the cell structure destroyed by formation of ice crystals. Above 45?C enzymes usually become denatured, ceasing to function; in both of these cases, the organism dies. Therefore, if vertebrates did not regulate their body temperature they would...

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