What specific temperature do wolf footpads maintain when in direct contact with ice and snow?
Answer
Just above the freezing point of tissue
Wolves possess a fascinating, specialized thermoregulatory mechanism centered in their paws that allows them to function effectively on frigid surfaces. They can independently regulate blood flow to their footpads. This control is so precise that the pads are kept at a temperature maintained just slightly above the freezing point of biological tissue. This prevents the pads from suffering frostbite while simultaneously minimizing excessive heat loss that would occur if the entire limb were kept at core body temperature while resting or running on ice and snow.
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