ectotherms

Definition

Animals that are dependent on external sources of body heat, such as sunlight or warm surfaces, rather than generating their own metabolic heat.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'ektos' meaning 'outside' and 'thermos' meaning 'heat'. The term was coined in biological science to describe organisms whose internal temperature is determined by the ambient environment.

In the news

The article classifies butterflies as ectotherms to explain why they are highly sensitive to environmental temperature changes and must move to cooler elevations as the climate warms.

Butterflies On Move To Higher Ground

Mirage News

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