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Date: | Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:46:51 -0600 |
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Nothing wrong with looking at the thermodynamic properties of hives
without colonies as a way of analyzing components in isolation. But
extrapolating to what occurs with colonies is a stretch as pointed out
in a previous post. There are a lot of new variables to consider once
one brings in bees and their behavior into the picture. The model of
"comparative physiology" of humans inside a heated home with insulated
walls and regulated air temperature falls apart very quickly. The
model of a human with little protection outside at low temperatures,
approaching hypothermia fits better.
From Ed Southwick (founder of Bee-L), 1983. The Honeybee as a
homeothermic organism. Journal of Comparative Physiology.
Abstract.
1. In winter, oxygen consumption of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.)
clusters resembles that of birds and mammals.
2. Intact clusters of 10–20,000 bees increase metabolism when exposed
to cold environmental temperatures. Below 10°C, metabolic rate (W kg−1)
increases as a function of decreasing ambient temperature following the
relation MR = 7.96 — 0.24 T (Fig. 1).
3. Insulative properties of the cluster are estimated and discussed.
4. At moderate ambient temperatures (10–14°C), the cluster “breaks”
resulting in a massive increase in total surface area for heat exchange
and concomitant large increase in metabolism.
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