Ectotermici

Ectotermici, commonly known as cold-blooded animals, are organisms that rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Unlike endotherms (warm-blooded animals) that generate their own internal heat through metabolic processes, ectotherms absorb heat from their environment. This means their body temperature fluctuates with the ambient temperature.

This strategy has several implications for ectotherms. When temperatures are low, their metabolic rate slows down, which can lead to reduced activity, hibernation, or torpor. Conversely, when temperatures are high, they can become very active. To manage heat, ectotherms often exhibit behavioral thermoregulation, such as basking in the sun to warm up or seeking shade to cool down. They may also move between microhabitats with different temperatures.

A wide variety of animals are ectotherms, including all reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. This group encompasses a vast diversity of life forms. Ectothermy is an ancient and successful evolutionary strategy, allowing these organisms to thrive in diverse environments. The primary advantage is lower energy expenditure, as they do not need to expend significant metabolic energy to maintain a constant internal temperature. However, their activity levels are directly tied to environmental conditions, which can be a disadvantage in environments with extreme or rapidly changing temperatures.