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Endotherms

Definition

Endotherms are animals that primarily depend on internal heat generated by metabolic processes for body temperature regulation.

Analogy

Endotherms are like houses with built-in heating systems. No matter how cold it gets outside, they can keep warm because they generate their own heat internally.

Related terms

Homeostasis: The tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.

Ectotherm: An animal that is dependent on external sources of body heat.

Metabolism: The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

"Endotherms" appears in:

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.