Comparative thermoregulation and the quest for athletic supremacy

There are a number of different strategies used by animals to effectively deal with the changing environment. The various thermoregulatory strategies employed by mammals can be a critical factor determining the survival and physical performance in a range of conditions. However, it is not readily appreciated that mammals regulate their body temperature in different ways and it is usually assumed that the mechanisms for temperature regulation are very similar amongst all endotherms. In this chapter, the African Hunting Dog and the cheetah are used as examples of endurance and sprinting athletes, respectively to illustrate and compare the effective thermoregulatory strategies employed and to contrast the fundamental differences between these animals and humans in their approach to dealing with heat loads. Of particular interest is the strategies used by mammals to avoid developing hyperpyrexia and thereby maintain cellular homeostasis.