Scientists have found the reason why our body temperature is 98.5° Fahrenheit (37°C). Apparently it's the perfect balance, as it's warm enough to prevent fungal infection but not so hot that we need to eat nonstop to maintain our metabolism.
Scientists have always wondered why advanced mammals are so hot compared to other animals. And this might be the reason! Fungal species that can thrive and infect an animal typically declines by 6 percent for every 1° C rise in temperature. So, we know we need a higher body temperature to ward off fungal infection. The question is how warm?
Scientists devised a mathematical model that analyzed the benefits gained by body temperatures that protect against fungi versus the costs (in terms of extra food consumption) required to maintain body temperatures between 30° and 40° C. The optimal temperature for maximizing benefits while minimizing costs was found to be 36.7° C, which closely approximates normal body temperature.
Looks like we were made for a reason (and so were the other mammals who all have temperatures around 98.5 degrees)!
Scientists have always wondered why advanced mammals are so hot compared to other animals. And this might be the reason! Fungal species that can thrive and infect an animal typically declines by 6 percent for every 1° C rise in temperature. So, we know we need a higher body temperature to ward off fungal infection. The question is how warm?
Scientists devised a mathematical model that analyzed the benefits gained by body temperatures that protect against fungi versus the costs (in terms of extra food consumption) required to maintain body temperatures between 30° and 40° C. The optimal temperature for maximizing benefits while minimizing costs was found to be 36.7° C, which closely approximates normal body temperature.
Looks like we were made for a reason (and so were the other mammals who all have temperatures around 98.5 degrees)!
7 comments:
Comes down to natural selection, those with too high or too low internal temperatures died from fungal infections or starvation.
I would think the extra ezymatic activity from being hot would also be a bonus
Nature is wonderful
But if you want to be more energy-efficient, you should set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. :P
Btw, how do you get ads in your post under the text?
http://anon408.blogspot.com
science FTW!
I've seen fish with fungal infections but not lizards.
(sarcasm font)
Christians solved this mystery thousands of years ago.
It's that way because god wants it that way.
Way to finish in second place scientists.
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