Endotherm

Definition

Endotherms are animals that maintain a constant body temperature through internal metabolic processes. They can regulate their body heat independent of the external environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Endotherms include birds and mammals.
2. They rely on metabolic heat to keep their body temperature stable.
3. Endothermy allows for sustained high levels of activity regardless of external temperatures.
4. Endothermic animals often have features such as fur or feathers to aid in insulation.
5. Endothermy is energetically costly, requiring a higher caloric intake compared to ectotherms.

Related terms

Ectotherm: Animals that rely on external environmental heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

Metabolism: The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms, crucial for maintaining energy balance.

Homeostasis:

The process by which an organism maintains a stable internal environment despite external changes.