Homeotherm
Homeotherm
Homeotherm (pronunciation: /ˈhoʊmi.oʊ.θɜːrm/), also known as endotherm, is a term used in biology to describe organisms that maintain a stable internal body temperature regardless of external environmental conditions. The term is derived from the Greek words 'homeo' meaning similar and 'therm' meaning heat.
Etymology
The term 'homeotherm' is derived from the Greek words 'homeo' which means 'similar' and 'therm' which means 'heat'. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe animals that maintain a constant body temperature.
Characteristics
Homeotherms are characterized by their ability to regulate their body temperature through metabolic processes. This is in contrast to poikilotherms, which have a body temperature that varies with the environment. Homeotherms include mammals and birds, while reptiles and amphibians are typically poikilotherms.
Related Terms
- Endotherm: An organism that is internally warmed by a heat source such as metabolic processes.
- Ectotherm: An organism that relies on external sources of heat to regulate its body temperature.
- Heterotherm: An organism that can switch between endothermy and ectothermy.
- Thermoregulation: The process by which an organism maintains its body temperature within certain boundaries.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Homeotherm
- Wikipedia's article - Homeotherm
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