Vaihtolämpöinen

Vaihtolämpöinen is a Finnish term that translates to "ectothermic" or "cold-blooded" in English. It refers to organisms that rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Unlike endotherms, which generate heat internally through metabolic processes, ectotherms absorb heat from their environment. This means their body temperature fluctuates with the surrounding temperature.

Examples of ectothermic animals include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. These animals often exhibit behaviors that help them manage their body temperature. For instance, lizards bask in the sun to warm up and seek shade to cool down. Fish may move to different water depths or areas to find temperatures suitable for their physiological needs. Amphibians, with their permeable skin, are particularly sensitive to temperature and moisture levels.

The metabolic rate of ectotherms is generally lower than that of endotherms, especially in cooler conditions. This can be advantageous in environments where food is scarce, as they require less energy to maintain their bodily functions. However, it also limits their activity levels in cold temperatures and can restrict them to certain geographical regions where temperatures are within their viable range. The term "cold-blooded" is a common, though somewhat misleading, translation, as their blood is not necessarily cold; it simply reflects the ambient temperature.