Poikilothermic (Adjective)
Meaning
Of animals except birds and mammals; having body temperature that varies with the environment.
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- Fish are poikilothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by the surrounding water.
- Poikilothermic animals such as snakes and lizards bask in the sun to warm up their bodies.
- Turtles are poikilothermic, so they often burrow into the mud to regulate their body temperature.
- Many invertebrates, like insects and worms, are poikilothermic and their metabolism slows down in cold temperatures.
- Crocodiles are poikilothermic, and they often stay in the water during hot days to keep their bodies cool.