POECILOTHERM Meaning and
Definition
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A poecilotherm is a term used in biology to describe a type of animal that cannot regulate its body temperature internally, but instead relies on the surrounding environment to maintain its body temperature. Also known as an ectotherm, a poecilotherm's body temperature fluctuates in response to the ambient conditions. This characteristic is in contrast to endothermic animals, such as mammals and birds, which can generate heat internally to regulate their body temperature.
The word "poecilotherm" originates from the Greek words "poikilos" meaning variable or diverse, and "thermos" meaning heat. It reflects the variable body temperature exhibited by these organisms.
As poecilotherms depend on external heat sources to warm themselves, they often engage in behaviors like basking in sunlight, seeking shade, or adjusting their body positions to maintain a suitable temperature. This ability to adapt to different temperatures can be advantageous, as poecilotherms can thrive in a broader range of environments compared to endothermic organisms.
Examples of poecilotherms include reptiles, amphibians, most fish species, and some invertebrates. These animals are often referred to as "cold-blooded" because their body temperature is close to that of their surroundings. However, it is important to note that while they cannot regulate their internal temperature in the same way as endotherms, poecilotherms can exhibit some limited physiological responses to maintain their body temperature within a certain range.
Common Misspellings for POECILOTHERM
- ooecilotherm
- loecilotherm
- 0oecilotherm
- piecilotherm
- pkecilotherm
- plecilotherm
- ppecilotherm
- p0ecilotherm
- p9ecilotherm
- powcilotherm
- poscilotherm
- podcilotherm
- porcilotherm
- po4cilotherm
- po3cilotherm
- poexilotherm
- poevilotherm
- poefilotherm
- poedilotherm
- poeculotherm
Etymology of POECILOTHERM
The word "poecilotherm" is composed of two Greek roots: "poikilos", which means "diverse" or "varied", and "thermos", which means "temperature".
The term was initially coined in the field of biology to describe organisms that cannot regulate their body temperature and therefore rely on external sources, such as the environment, for thermoregulation. Poecilotherms include various cold-blooded organisms like reptiles, amphibians, and most fish.
So, the term "poecilotherm" can be understood as referring to organisms with temperature variations or various temperature adaptations.
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