Cold-blooded

Cold-blooded (/koʊldˈblʌdɪd/), also known as ectothermic, refers to animals that rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. The term originates from the Greek words "ektos" meaning "outside" and "thermē" meaning "heat".

Definition

Cold-blooded animals are those that cannot regulate their own body temperature. Instead, they rely on the temperature of their environment to help them maintain their body heat. This is in contrast to warm-blooded animals, which can generate their own body heat and maintain a constant body temperature regardless of their environment.

Examples

Examples of cold-blooded animals include reptiles, amphibians, and most fish. These animals often need to spend time in the sun to warm up, or find shade or water to cool down.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are both advantages and disadvantages to being cold-blooded. One advantage is that cold-blooded animals often require less food than warm-blooded animals, as they do not need to burn as many calories to maintain their body temperature. However, a disadvantage is that they can be more vulnerable to changes in their environment, such as extreme temperatures.

Related Terms

Ectotherm: An organism that relies on external heat sources to regulate its body temperature.
Endotherm: An organism that can generate its own heat and maintain a constant body temperature.
Poikilotherm: An organism whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its surroundings.
Homeotherm: An organism that maintains a stable internal body temperature regardless of external influence.