- The countercurrent arrangement of blood vessels is an adaptation that allows the goose to ________.
A) minimise heat exchange between the feet and water
B) generate heat using shivering thermogenesis
C) more effectively cool off in the summer
D) conserve heat in its core when the goose is swimming in cold water

Question

- The countercurrent arrangement of blood vessels is an adaptation that allows the goose to ________.
A) minimise heat exchange between the feet and water 
B) generate heat using shivering thermogenesis 
C) more effectively cool off in the summer 
D) conserve heat in its core when the goose is swimming in cold water

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The countercurrent arrangement of blood vessels in the feet allows the goose to conserve heat in its core when swimming in cold water. As warm blood travels from the core to the feet, it loses heat to the cold water. However, the countercurrent arrangement allows this heat transfer to be reduced, as the cold blood returning from the feet is warmed by the warm blood leaving the core. This helps to keep the core body temperature warm while the feet remain cool, allowing the goose to swim in cold water for longer periods of time.

- the Countercurrent Arrangement of Blood Vessels Is an Adaptation