Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
ectothermic
Adjective
/ˌɛk.təʊˈθɜː.mɪk/
Definition
Having a body temperature that varies with the temperature of the environment.
Examples
- Many reptiles, such as snakes and lizards, are ectothermic, meaning they bask in the sun to raise their body temperature.
- In colder months, ectothermic animals may become less active as their body temperature drops.
Meaning
Ectothermic organisms, commonly known as ‘cold-blooded’ animals, rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature instead of generating it internally.
Synonyms
- Cold-blooded
- Exothermic
