Cold-blooded; internal body temperature tends to vary with the external environment (as in fishes, amphibians and reptiles). Interestingly, in fast-swimming fishes such as tuna, core body temperatures may become elevated to accomodate faster movement; this is facilitated by specialized circulatory mechanisms such as rete mirablia. In contrast, mammals and birds are homeothermic, where the body's internal temperature is regulated. This is accomplished by the hypothalamus, which acts as a thermostat.
of animals except birds and mammals; having body temperature that varies with the environment
"cold-blooded"; having a body temperature that varies with ambient air or water temperature.
(ectotherm) any animal whose body temperature follows that of the surrounding environment.
Having a varied internal temperature.
refers to an organism whose body temperature is near that of its surroundings; often referred to as cold-blooded