homeothermal
Maintains constant warmth
Homeothermal describes organisms that maintain a constant internal body temperature regardless of their environment—what's commonly called warm-blooded.
Mammals and birds are homeothermal, regulating their temperature through metabolism rather than relying on external heat sources: Homeothermal animals can remain active in cold weather.
Also spelled *homoiothermal* or *homothermal*.
Maintaining stable internal heat
- endothermicAbsorbing thermal energy
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
- hypothalamusSubthalamic regulatory brain region
body temperature · basal metabolic rate · enzymatic · biochemical · thyroid · fever · hypothermia · hyperthermia
Involuntary bodily trembling
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- vasoconstrictionArterial walls contracting inward
- insulationThermal transfer prevention
piloerection · panting · brown fat · heat dissipation · heat retention · blood flow · surface area · radiation
Animal body hair
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- blubberMarine mammal fat
- fatAdipose tissue
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
torpor · migration · huddling · basking · burrowing · nesting · acclimatization · nocturnal
Of or concerning birds
- feathersBird's lightweight covering
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- downToward lower ground
- air sacsGas-exchange lung cavities
high metabolism · eggs · incubation · preening · ornithology · migratory · roosting
Nourished before birth internally
- marsupialPouch-bearing mammal
- monotremeEgg-laying mammal
- lactationMammary gland secretion
- mammary glandsMilk-secreting organs
hair · viviparous · gestation · parental care · diaphragm · neocortex · endotherm
thermoregulation
Maintaining stable internal heat
- endothermicAbsorbing thermal energy
- metabolismCellular nutrient conversion
- homeostasisBiological internal stability maintenance
hypothalamus · body temperature · basal metabolic rate · enzymatic · biochemical · thyroid · fever · hypothermia · hyperthermia · circadian
shivering
Involuntary bodily trembling
- sweatingMoisture through pores
- vasodilationRelaxation of vessel walls
- vasoconstrictionArterial walls contracting inward
insulation · piloerection · panting · brown fat · heat dissipation · heat retention · blood flow · surface area · radiation · conduction
fur
Animal body hair
hibernation · torpor · migration · huddling · basking · burrowing · nesting · acclimatization · nocturnal · diurnal
avian
Of or concerning birds
air sacs · high metabolism · eggs · incubation · preening · ornithology · migratory · roosting
placental
Nourished before birth internally
mammary glands · hair · viviparous · gestation · parental care · diaphragm · neocortex · endotherm