ectotherms
Temperature-dependent metabolizers
Ectotherms are animals that regulate body temperature primarily through external sources rather than internal metabolism.
Reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates are ectotherms—they bask in sunlight to warm up or seek shade to cool down.
The older term cold-blooded is misleading, since an ectotherm in warm surroundings may have blood as warm as any mammal's.
Cellular nutrient conversion
- baskingWarming oneself pleasantly
- torporInactive, sluggish state
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- acclimationAdjusting to new conditions
metabolic rate · oxygen consumption · heat exchange · cooling · warming · sunning · cold tolerance · body temperature
Small scaly reptiles
- snakesElongated limbless reptiles
- turtlesShell-backed reptiles
- crocodiliansOrder of large semiaquatic reptiles
- tortoisesShelled land reptiles
geckos · iguanas · chameleons · pythons · vipers · cobras · alligators · tuataras
Leaping, croaking amphibians
- salamandersTailed amphibians, often aquatic
- newtsSmall semiaquatic salamanders
- toadsWarty tailless amphibians
- axolotlsPermanently larval salamanders
tadpoles · metamorphosis · gills · lungless · marshes · amphibious · larvae · aestivation
Aquatic respiratory organs
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- finsSwimming appendages
- swim bladderFish buoyancy organ
- spawningReleasing eggs to reproduce
schooling · freshwater · marine · aquatic · coral reef · migration · streamlined · cold-water fish
Organism's natural environment
- environmentExternal conditions affecting life
- climate adaptationAdjusting to environmental shifts
- predator-preyEcological consumption relationship
- food webInterconnected predator-prey relationships
microhabitat · diurnal · nocturnal · crepuscular · burrow · sun exposure
Jointed-limb invertebrates
- insectsSix-legged arthropods
- spidersWeb-spinning eight-legged creatures
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
- mollusksSoft-bodied invertebrates, often shelled
worms · beetles · butterflies · crabs · lobsters · snails · slugs · centipedes
metabolism
Cellular nutrient conversion
- baskingWarming oneself pleasantly
- torporInactive, sluggish state
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
acclimation · metabolic rate · oxygen consumption · heat exchange · cooling · warming · sunning · cold tolerance · body temperature · homeostasis
lizards
Small scaly reptiles
- snakesElongated limbless reptiles
- turtlesShell-backed reptiles
- crocodiliansOrder of large semiaquatic reptiles
tortoises · geckos · iguanas · chameleons · pythons · vipers · cobras · alligators · tuataras · monitors
frogs
Leaping, croaking amphibians
- salamandersTailed amphibians, often aquatic
- newtsSmall semiaquatic salamanders
- toadsWarty tailless amphibians
axolotls · tadpoles · metamorphosis · gills · lungless · marshes · amphibious · larvae · aestivation
gills
Aquatic respiratory organs
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- finsSwimming appendages
- swim bladderFish buoyancy organ
spawning · schooling · freshwater · marine · aquatic · coral reef · migration · streamlined · cold-water fish · tropical fish
habitat
Organism's natural environment
- environmentExternal conditions affecting life
- climate adaptationAdjusting to environmental shifts
- predator-preyEcological consumption relationship
food web · microhabitat · diurnal · nocturnal · crepuscular · burrow · sun exposure
arthropods
Jointed-limb invertebrates
- insectsSix-legged arthropods
- spidersWeb-spinning eight-legged creatures
- crustaceansExoskeleton-bearing aquatic arthropods
mollusks · worms · beetles · butterflies · crabs · lobsters · snails · slugs · centipedes · scorpions
ectothermsendotherms
Organisms producing internal heat
warm-blooded · mammals · birds · hot-blooded