endotherms
Metabolically heated creatures
Endotherms are animals that generate their own body heat through internal metabolism rather than relying on external sources.
Mammals and birds are endotherms, maintaining relatively constant body temperatures regardless of their surroundings.
The term contrasts with ectotherms (cold-blooded animals like reptiles), which depend on environmental heat: Endotherms can remain active in cold weather that would immobilize an ectotherm.
Biological internal stability maintenance
- shiveringInvoluntary bodily trembling
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- pantingRapid labored breathing
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
vasoconstriction · insulation · hypothalamus · thermogenesis · acclimatization · fever · piloerection · warm-blooded
Prolonged winter dormancy
- torporInactive, sluggish state
- huddlingGrouping closely together
- migrationMovement to new territory
- blubberMarine mammal fat
fur · feathers · insulation · basking · burrowing · nocturnal · molting · nesting
Animal body hair
- nursingMedical caretaking profession
- placentaFetal nourishment organ
- marsupialsPouch-bearing mammals
- monotremesEgg-producing mammal order
viviparous · mammalogy · whiskers · hooves · baleen · ungulates · carnivores · herbivores
Bird's lightweight covering
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- avianOf or concerning birds
- songbirdMelodious perching avian
- raptorHunting bird with talons
ornithology · flock · migrate · roost · perch · nest · eggs · beak
Cell's energy-producing organelles
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
- glycolysisGlucose metabolism producing ATP
- catabolismMetabolic molecular dismantling
- anabolismMetabolic construction of molecules
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
vasodilation · vasoconstriction · insulation · hypothalamus · thermogenesis · acclimatization · fever · piloerection · warm-blooded
hibernation
Prolonged winter dormancy
blubber · fur · feathers · insulation · basking · burrowing · nocturnal · molting · nesting · denning
fur
Animal body hair
- nursingMedical caretaking profession
- placentaFetal nourishment organ
- marsupialsPouch-bearing mammals
monotremes · viviparous · mammalogy · whiskers · hooves · baleen · ungulates · carnivores · herbivores · omnivores
feathers
Bird's lightweight covering
raptor · ornithology · flock · migrate · roost · perch · nest · eggs · beak · wings
mitochondria
Cell's energy-producing organelles
- thermogenesisMetabolic production of warmth
- glycolysisGlucose metabolism producing ATP
- catabolismMetabolic molecular dismantling
endothermsectotherms
Organisms relying on environmental heat
reptiles · amphibians · fish · invertebrates · insects
- endothermic reactionProcess absorbing thermal energy