endothermy
Self-generated body warmth
Endothermy is the biological ability to generate and regulate body heat internally, characteristic of mammals and birds.
Endothermic animals maintain relatively constant body temperatures regardless of their environment, unlike cold-blooded creatures that depend on external heat sources.
The trait enables activity in cold conditions but demands constant fuel: Endothermy requires mammals to eat far more than similarly sized reptiles.
Hair-bearing, milk-producing animals
- birdsEgg-laying flying vertebrates
- warm-bloodedInternally temperature-regulated
- furAnimal body hair
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
insulation · blubber · hibernation · torpor · nesting · brooding · monotremes · placental mammals
Maintaining stable internal heat
- body temperatureInternal heat level
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- hypothalamusSubthalamic regulatory brain region
- set pointDesired control level
feedback loops · vasodilation · vasoconstriction · shivering · sweating · panting · thermogenesis · acclimatization
Minimum energy for survival
- ATPCell's energy molecule
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
- cellular respirationCell-level fuel burning
- oxidationLosing electrons chemically
energy expenditure · thermogenesis · enzymes · biochemical reactions · catabolism · glycolysis · oxygen consumption · metabolic rate
Thermal transfer prevention
- baskingWarming oneself pleasantly
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
- nocturnal activityActions performed after dark
- heat toleranceResistance to high temperatures
mammals
Hair-bearing, milk-producing animals
- birdsEgg-laying flying vertebrates
- warm-bloodedInternally temperature-regulated
- furAnimal body hair
feathers · insulation · blubber · hibernation · torpor · nesting · brooding · monotremes · placental mammals · passerines
thermoregulation
Maintaining stable internal heat
- body temperatureInternal heat level
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- hypothalamusSubthalamic regulatory brain region
set point · feedback loops · vasodilation · vasoconstriction · shivering · sweating · panting · thermogenesis · acclimatization · core temperature
basal metabolic rate
Minimum energy for survival
- ATPCell's energy molecule
- mitochondriaCell's energy-producing organelles
- cellular respirationCell-level fuel burning
oxidation · energy expenditure · thermogenesis · enzymes · biochemical reactions · catabolism · glycolysis · oxygen consumption · metabolic rate · energy conversion
insulation
Thermal transfer prevention
- baskingWarming oneself pleasantly
- burrowingDigging to create shelter
- nocturnal activityActions performed after dark
- endothermic reactionProcess absorbing thermal energy
endothermic, endotherm, endotherms, endothermal, endothermically