Research from elsewhere suggests that ponds and water pools created from beaver dams can have marked benefits on local water quality. Dams are usually only built on small streams, less than 3 metres wide, and these can moderate the detrimental effect of irregular flow. The modifications can also raise the water table locally creating wetland areas to the benefit of biodiversity. The ponds can help to neutralise acidic run-off, act as sinks for pollutants and increase the self-purification of a watercourse. They can form considerable sediment traps, reducing very strongly erosive runoff and particulate loads in downstream water. Dams are not necessarily permanent.

Hint: Radiation is from suns rays, convection is from air temperature, and conduction is from water. Which of these things has the biggest effect on body temperature?

Considering its habitat, which of convection, conduction, or radiation is likely to be most important for this animal in its exchange of energy with its abiotic environment? Explain. Explain if it varies from time to time or not.