Bergmann's Rule
- Pronunciation
- /BERG-manns RULE/
- Category
- Ecology
- Singular
- Bergmann's Rule
- Plural
- Bergmann's Rules
Definition
The tendency for endothermic (warm-blooded) animals to have larger body sizes in colder climates to conserve heat.
Etymology
Named after the German biologist Carl Bergmann (1814–1865).
Example
Bergmann's rule explains why polar bears are larger than their southern counterparts.
Related Terms
- Body size
- Climate
- Adaptation
Usage Notes
Bergmann’s Rule is generally applied to endotherms as it relates to thermoregulation.