The Developmental Context of Thermal Homeostasis

Developmentalists are concerned with origins. For some, the search for origins in developing animals provides little more than an opportunity to clarify the factors that contribute to adult behavior and physiology. Although this is an understandable justification for developmental research, it is also important to understand that developing organisms are not simply small adults or adults-in-waiting. On the contrary, infant animals face many problems that are unique to their physical, physiological, social, and ecological circumstances ([Alberts & Cramer, 1988]; [Hall & Oppenheim, 1987]; [West, King, & Arberg, 1988]). These problems cannot be put off; rather, to survive, infants must solve each problem as it is encountered during ontogeny. Therefore, the “dual infant” must meet the needs of the moment as well as prepare for later life, a vital combination of adaptation and anticipation ([Alberts & Cramer, 1988])