Ektoterma

Ektoterma is a term used in biology to describe organisms that rely on external environmental sources, such as sunlight or warmed surfaces, to regulate their body temperature. These organisms, often referred to as cold-blooded, do not possess the internal physiological mechanisms to generate and maintain a stable body temperature independent of their surroundings. Instead, their body heat is a direct reflection of the ambient temperature.

This reliance on external heat sources influences the behavior and distribution of ektothermic animals. For example, reptiles often bask in the sun to absorb heat, and amphibians may seek out warmer or cooler microhabitats to achieve optimal body temperatures for metabolic processes, such as digestion and movement. The rate of their metabolic activity, therefore, fluctuates with environmental temperature. This means that at lower temperatures, their activity levels are reduced, while at higher temperatures, their metabolic rate increases, up to a certain thermal limit.

Ektothermy is a widespread strategy found across a diverse range of animal groups, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. While it may seem disadvantageous compared to endothermy (the ability to generate internal heat), it offers significant energetic benefits. Ectotherms typically require less food and water than endotherms of similar size, as they do not expend energy on thermoregulation. This efficiency can be a crucial advantage in environments with limited resources.