What type of thermal regulation involves heat transfer through direct contact?

The correct answer is indeed conduction, which is the process of heat transfer that occurs through direct contact between materials. This mechanism relies on the collision of molecules within a substance, where faster-moving molecules transfer energy to slower-moving ones, resulting in heat transfer. For instance, if you touch a hot stove, heat moves from the stove to your hand through conduction, making your hand feel warm.

In contrast, evaporation refers to the process of liquid turning into vapor, which does not involve direct contact but rather a phase change that absorbs heat. Convection involves the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) that carry heat with them, relying on the circulation of the fluid rather than direct contact. Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight warming your skin, which doesn't require any medium or direct contact either. Thus, conduction is specifically characterized by heat transfer through direct physical contact, distinguishing it from the other types of thermal regulation.