Chapter 1 CRYOBIOLOGY Cryobiology is the study of how cold affects living things These things range from tiny cells to large animals The first part of the word cryobiology comes from the Greek word kryos which means cold The second part biology means the study of life Cryobiologists wear protective I gear Where does the word cryobiology come
Cryobiology can help preserve tissues and organs so that doctors can save lives It can help farmers breed better livestock It can even help scientists save endangered animals Cold temperatures are useful for preserving many kinds of scientific
Lessons from Nature Cryobiologists study animals that live in cold places These animals have special ways of surviving The Arctic ground squirrel takes a seven month nap Its body temperature drops below the freezing point of water But its cells do not freeze Arctic ground squirrels often begin their resting periods in late August B
This wood frog will remain frozen for up to eight months Wood frogs live throughout Canada and the northeastern United States The wood frog on the other hand freezes solid in winter Its heart and breathing stop as its body freezes When the weather warms up the frog's heart thaws first The rest soon follows It hops away
