stenothermic

Stenothermic refers to the ability of an organism to maintain a constant body temperature within a narrow range, typically close to the ambient temperature. This term is often used in the context of ectothermic animals, which rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Stenothermic organisms are particularly adapted to environments with stable temperatures, such as certain aquatic habitats or underground burrows. Their physiological mechanisms often include efficient heat exchange through their skin or gills, and behavioral adaptations like seeking shade or moving to warmer areas during extreme temperatures. This adaptation allows stenothermic animals to conserve energy and avoid the metabolic costs associated with maintaining a constant body temperature, as seen in endothermic organisms. Examples of stenothermic animals include many fish, amphibians, and some reptiles. The term is derived from the Greek words "stenos," meaning narrow, and "thermos," meaning heat.