Mathematical modeling of the distribution of temperature field in insect clusters
Es'kov, E.K.; Toboev, V.A.
Biofizika 54(1): 114-119
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-3029 PMID: 19334640 Document Number: 628524
A model of the distribution temperature fields and thermoregulation mechanisms in an insect cluster that self-organizes for protection from long-term cooling has been constructed. The cluster forms an ordered system of the generation, accumulation, and dissipation of heat. The influence of external temperature and the number of aggregating insects on the effectiveness of their protection from cooling has been studied. Dynamic interconnections between structural insect accumulations are described, which provide the minimization of energy expenditures for metabolism and thermoregulation. This allows one to withstand long unfavorable influence of temperature, which varies within wide limits beyond the vital range for every individual bee.