Endoterm

Endoterm is a term used in biology and chemistry to describe a process that absorbs heat from its surroundings. In biology, it often refers to the ability of an organism to generate heat internally to maintain a stable body temperature, a characteristic of endotherms, also known as warm-blooded animals. This internal heat production is a metabolic process.

In chemistry, an endothermic reaction is one that requires energy input, typically in the form of heat, to proceed. This energy is absorbed from the environment, causing the surroundings to become cooler. The enthalpy change for an endothermic process is positive.

Examples of biological endothermy include mammals and birds, which can regulate their body temperature independently of their environment. In contrast, ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals, rely on external sources of heat. Chemical endothermic reactions include processes like the melting of ice or the evaporation of water, where heat is absorbed to change the state of matter. Understanding endothermic processes is crucial in fields ranging from physiology to industrial chemistry.