Poikilotherm (Noun)
Meaning
An animal whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its surroundings; any animal except birds and mammals.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The lizard, a classic example of a poikilotherm, basked in the warm sunlight to regulate its body temperature.
- Frogs and other amphibians are poikilotherms, meaning their body temperature changes depending on the environment.
- Poikilotherms, such as fish and reptiles, often rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
- The snake, like all other reptiles, is a poikilotherm and must seek shade or warmth depending on the temperature of its surroundings.
- In cold climates, some poikilotherms, such as hibernating turtles, experience a significant reduction in metabolic activity to conserve energy.