Ektotermiske

Ektotermiske refers to organisms that rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. These are commonly known as cold-blooded animals, though this term can be misleading as their body temperature can fluctuate and is not necessarily cold. Instead, their internal temperature varies with the temperature of their environment.

Examples of ektotermiske organisms include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. They achieve thermoregulation through behavioral adaptations. For instance, a lizard may bask in the sun to warm up and retreat into the shade to cool down. Fish regulate their temperature by moving to different water depths with varying temperatures.

The metabolic rate of ektotermiske animals is directly influenced by ambient temperature. When it is warm, their metabolism is higher, allowing for more activity. Conversely, in cooler conditions, their metabolism slows down, leading to reduced activity or dormancy. This reliance on external heat sources means that ektotermiske organisms are often found in warmer climates and may struggle to survive in extremely cold environments without specialized adaptations. Their physiological processes are closely tied to their surroundings, making them sensitive to environmental temperature changes.