Ektotermejä

Ektotermejä, or ectotherms, are animals that rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. This is in contrast to endotherms, or warm-blooded animals, which generate their own internal heat. Ectothermy is also known as poikilothermy, as the body temperature of an ectotherm can fluctuate significantly with changes in the environment.

Reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects are common examples of ectotherms. Their metabolic rate is generally lower than that of endotherms, meaning they require less food. However, they are also more vulnerable to temperature extremes. When it is cold, ectotherms become sluggish and their activity levels decrease. They may bask in the sun to absorb heat or seek out warmer microhabitats. Conversely, when it is too hot, they may retreat to cooler areas or become less active to avoid overheating.

The physiological mechanisms ectotherms use to cope with temperature changes are diverse. Some can alter blood flow to their skin to facilitate or reduce heat absorption. Others may change their skin color to become darker and absorb more solar radiation, or lighter to reflect it. Behavioral thermoregulation is a crucial survival strategy for ectotherms, allowing them to maintain body temperatures within a range that supports essential life functions. The success of ectotherms across a wide range of environments highlights the effectiveness of this strategy.