ektoterm

Ektoterm is a term derived from the Greek words *ektos* (meaning "outside" or "external") and *therme* (meaning "heat"), referring to organisms or systems that rely on external sources of heat for their physiological processes. Unlike endotherms, which generate their own body heat through metabolic processes, ektoterms depend on environmental heat to regulate their body temperature.

Most reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates, such as snakes, lizards, frogs, and insects, are considered ektotermic. These organisms exhibit a range of behaviors to optimize heat absorption, such as basking in sunlight or seeking shaded areas to cool down. Their metabolic rates and activity levels are closely tied to ambient temperatures, which can influence their growth, reproduction, and survival.

Ektotermy is an energy-efficient strategy, as it reduces the metabolic costs associated with internal heat production. However, it also exposes these organisms to environmental fluctuations, making them vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Some ektoterms have evolved physiological adaptations, such as behavioral thermoregulation or specialized heat-absorbing structures, to mitigate these challenges.

The term is sometimes used more broadly in ecological and physiological contexts to describe systems or processes that depend on external heat sources, though its primary application remains in biological classification. Unlike endotherms, which maintain a relatively constant body temperature, ektoterms exhibit greater variability in their thermal physiology, reflecting their dependence on environmental conditions.