Thermoregulation in Deer, Elk, and Pronghorn Antelope: The Structure of Hollow Hair and How It Helps in Winter Conditions

Space Dynamics Laboratory, Auditorium Rooms D & E

Thermoregulation in animals is an adaptation made to live through hot summers and cold winters. Big game animals such as: deer, elk, and pronghorn antelope have the adaptation more commonly known as a summer coat and a winter coat. We measured and compared an animal's winter coat and summer coat using a scanning electron microscope to show why an animal can survive outdoor temperatures. We used a scanning electron microscope to identify the different topography of the individual hair and focused on the thermodynamics of each individual hair.