POIKILOTHERM Meaning and
Definition
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A poikilotherm is a type of organism whose body temperature varies with the surrounding environment. Derived from the Greek "poikilos" meaning "varied" and "thermos" meaning "heat," this term refers to the unique ability of these organisms to adjust their body temperature in response to changes in the external conditions. Unlike endotherms (such as humans and other mammals), poikilotherms do not possess the ability to regulate their body temperature internally.
Poikilotherms include a diverse range of organisms from different taxonomic groups, including reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. These species rely on external heat sources to maintain their body temperature, which can vary widely depending on environmental factors such as sunlight, water temperature, and air temperature. For instance, reptiles often bask in the sun to increase their body temperature, while aquatic poikilotherms might move to warmer or cooler waters to regulate their internal state.
The capacity to adjust body temperature in this manner allows poikilotherms to thrive in various habitats, from deserts to oceans and from tropical regions to polar ecosystems. This adaptability, however, also means that their physiological processes are typically influenced by the external conditions, including metabolism, digestion, and overall activity levels.
In summary, a poikilotherm is an organism that exhibits a fluctuating body temperature in response to the surrounding environment. This characteristic distinguishes them from endotherms, as poikilotherms' internal temperature is not actively regulated but instead adapts to the ambient conditions.
Common Misspellings for POIKILOTHERM
- ooikilotherm
- loikilotherm
- -oikilotherm
- 0oikilotherm
- piikilotherm
- pkikilotherm
- plikilotherm
- ppikilotherm
- p0ikilotherm
- p9ikilotherm
- poukilotherm
- pojkilotherm
- pokkilotherm
- pookilotherm
- po9kilotherm
- po8kilotherm
- poijilotherm
- poimilotherm
- poililotherm
- poioilotherm
Etymology of POIKILOTHERM
The word "poikilotherm" has its roots in Greek. It comes from the combination of two Greek words:
1. "Poikilos" (ποικίλος), which means "varied" or "variegated".
2. "Thermē" (θερμή), which means "heat" or "temperature".
When these two words are combined, "poikilotherm" is formed, and it literally translates to "varied heat" or "variable temperature". This term is used in biology to describe organisms that cannot regulate their internal body temperature and instead rely on environmental factors to maintain their body heat.
Similar spelling words for POIKILOTHERM
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