Some animals have hair which is composed of solid tubular strands, while others have hollow, air-filled tubes. Where would one more likely find the latter animal: In cold climates, or warm?

Answer 1

One would more likely find animals with hollow, air-filled hair in warm climates.

The presence of hollow, air-filled hair strands in animals is typically associated with thermoregulation adaptations to cope with high temperatures. The hollow tubes provide insulation by trapping air, which acts as an insulating layer between the animal's body and the external environment. This helps to reduce heat absorption and prevent the animal from overheating.

In warm climates, where high temperatures are prevalent, animals need efficient mechanisms to stay cool. Having hollow hair strands is an evolutionary advantage that allows for better airflow and heat dissipation, as the air-filled tubes act as natural conductive pathways. This helps in dissipating heat more effectively and keeping the animal's body temperature within a suitable range.

On the other hand, in cold climates, animals typically have adaptations to retain heat, such as dense fur or hair with solid tubular strands. These solid strands provide better insulation by minimizing heat loss. The solid hairs trap the warm air close to the body and act as a barrier against the cold air outside.

In summary, animals with hollow, air-filled hair strands are more likely to be found in warm climates as an adaptation to cope with high temperatures and enhance heat dissipation.