POIKILOTHERMOUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "poikilothermous" refers to an organism or a group of animals that exhibit the characteristic of being unable to internally regulate their body temperature and instead rely on external sources to maintain a stable internal environment. This term is derived from the Greek words "poikilos," meaning varied or diverse, and "thermos," meaning heat or temperature. Poikilothermous creatures, also known as ectotherms, include fish, amphibians, reptiles, and most invertebrates.
Unlike endotherms (warm-blooded animals), which generate heat internally, poikilotherms adjust their body temperature in response to the surrounding environment. This means that their body temperature can vary depending on factors like the ambient temperature, time of day, or location. Poikilotherms typically adopt behavioral mechanisms to regulate their body temperatures, such as seeking warmer or cooler areas, basking in the sun, or burrowing into the ground.
The ability to fluctuate body temperature allows poikilotherms to conserve energy by not having to continually produce heat to warm themselves. However, it also makes them highly dependent on external conditions for survival. Their metabolic rate, activity levels, growth rate, and reproductive cycles are greatly influenced by temperature fluctuations, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes.
Understanding poikilothermy is crucial in various scientific fields, including ecology, physiology, and conservation biology. By studying the adaptations and responses of poikilotherms to temperature fluctuations, researchers can gain insights into the impacts of climate change and the broader dynamics of ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for POIKILOTHERMOUS
- ooikilothermous
- loikilothermous
- -oikilothermous
- 0oikilothermous
- piikilothermous
- pkikilothermous
- plikilothermous
- ppikilothermous
- p0ikilothermous
- p9ikilothermous
- poukilothermous
- pojkilothermous
- pokkilothermous
- pookilothermous
- po9kilothermous
- po8kilothermous
- poijilothermous
- poimilothermous
- poililothermous
Etymology of POIKILOTHERMOUS
The word "poikilothermous" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "poikilos" and "thermos".
The Greek word "poikilos" (ποικίλος) means "varied" or "diverse". It is derived from the verb "poiein" (ποιεῖν), which means "to make" or "to do". In the context of "poikilothermous", "poikilos" implies variability or fluctuation in body temperature.
The Greek word "thermos" (θερμός) means "warm" or "hot". It is related to the noun "thermē" (θέρμη), which means "heat" or "temperature". In the term "poikilothermous", "thermos" refers to temperature regulation.
Similar spelling words for POIKILOTHERMOUS
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