Poikilotherm
Poikilotherm
Poikilotherm (pronunciation: /ˈpɔɪkɪləˌθɜːrm/), also known as cold-blooded or ectothermic animals, are those that do not have an internal mechanism to regulate their body temperature. Instead, they rely on external sources of heat. The term "poikilotherm" is derived from the Greek words "poikilos" (meaning "varied") and "therme" (meaning "heat").
Etymology
The term "poikilotherm" is derived from the Greek words "poikilos" (meaning "varied") and "therme" (meaning "heat"). It was first used in the late 19th century to describe animals that have a variable body temperature.
Characteristics
Poikilothermic animals are unable to regulate their body temperature internally. Instead, they rely on external sources of heat, such as the sun, to warm their bodies. This is in contrast to homeothermic animals, which can maintain a constant body temperature regardless of their environment.
Poikilotherms include many types of animals, including reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Some insects and arachnids are also poikilothermic.
Related Terms
- Ectotherm: An organism that relies on external sources of heat to regulate its body temperature.
- Endotherm: An organism that can generate heat internally to maintain its body temperature.
- Homeotherm: An organism that maintains a constant body temperature regardless of its environment.
- Heterotherm: An organism that can switch between being ectothermic and endothermic.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Poikilotherm
- Wikipedia's article - Poikilotherm
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