Final answer:
Bergmann's rule states that larger animals are found in colder environments as they conserve heat better, while Allen's rule indicates that animals in hotter climates have longer extremities for efficient heat dissipation. Both rules illustrate the impact of environmental pressures such as heat & cold on animal morphology, aligned with the second law of thermodynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bergmann's and Allen's Rules
Bergmann's rule and Allen's rule are ecogeographic principles that explain how environmental pressures such as heat & cold influence the morphology of animals.
Bergmann's rule states that animal populations and species of larger size are more commonly found in colder environments. This is because larger bodies have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which reduces heat loss and is beneficial in cold climates. Conversely, smaller-sized populations or species prevail in warmer environments as they have a larger surface area relative to their volume, which aids in heat dissipation.
Allen's rule suggests that animals living in hotter climates tend to have longer extremities. Long limbs, ears, and tails increase an animal's surface area, allowing more efficient heat loss. In contrast, animals in colder climates tend to have shorter extremities to conserve body heat.
According to the second law of thermodynamics, systems move towards thermal equilibrium, meaning an organism's internal temperatures will naturally equilibrate with the external environment over time. Organisms have adapted their size and shape in response to this law to better control their internal conditions, by either conserving or dissipating heat.