kaltblütige

Kaltblütige is a German term that translates to "cold-blooded" in English. It is a biological classification used to describe animals whose body temperature is primarily regulated by external environmental conditions, rather than by internal metabolic processes. This means their body temperature fluctuates with the temperature of their surroundings.

Animals traditionally referred to as cold-blooded are scientifically known as ectotherms. They obtain heat from external sources such as sunlight or warm surfaces. This contrasts with endotherms, or warm-blooded animals, which generate their own body heat through metabolism.

Examples of cold-blooded animals include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Their activity levels are often dependent on ambient temperature. For instance, a cold-blooded animal may become lethargic in cooler temperatures and more active when it is warm. They do not maintain a constant internal body temperature. This physiological strategy allows them to survive in a wide range of environments, though they can be vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations. The term "cold-blooded" is now often considered an outdated or imprecise term, with "ectotherm" being the preferred scientific nomenclature.