Ectotherm
Ectotherm
Ectotherm (pronunciation: /ˈɛktoʊˌθɜrm/), also known as an exotherm, is an organism that primarily depends on external sources of body heat. The term is derived from the Greek words "ektos" (meaning "outside") and "thermos" (meaning "heat").
Etymology
The term "ectotherm" was first coined in the early 20th century by the American zoologist Raymond Pearl. It is derived from the Greek words "ektos" (meaning "outside") and "thermos" (meaning "heat"). This term is used to describe organisms that primarily rely on environmental heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
Definition
An ectotherm is an organism in which internal physiological sources of heat are of relatively small or quite negligible importance in controlling body temperature. Such organisms (for example, frogs, snakes, and lizards) rely on environmental heat sources, which permits them to operate at very economical metabolic rates.
Related Terms
- Poikilotherm: An organism that does not have a constant body temperature. Ectotherms are often, but not always, poikilotherms.
- Endotherm: The opposite of an ectotherm, an endotherm is an organism that primarily depends on internal heat sources to maintain body temperature.
- Homeotherm: An organism that maintains its body temperature at a constant level, often synonymous with endotherms.
- Thermoregulation: The process by which an organism regulates its body temperature.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ectotherm
- Wikipedia's article - Ectotherm
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