How Do You Spell POIKILOTHERMY?

Pronunciation: [pˈɔ͡ɪkɪlˌʌðəmi] (IPA)

Poikilothermy is a scientific term used to describe cold-blooded animals that cannot regulate their own body temperature. The spelling of this word may seem difficult, but it can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The word is pronounced as /pɔɪkəloʊθɜrmi/, with the first syllable sounding like "poy-k" and the emphasis on the third syllable. Knowing the IPA transcription can help you break down complex words like poikilothermy and pronounce them correctly.

POIKILOTHERMY Meaning and Definition

1. Poikilothermy is a physiological characteristic found in organisms that refers to their inability to regulate their internal body temperature, thus relying on the surrounding environment to maintain the optimal body temperature. It is a trait commonly found in reptiles, amphibians, fish, and certain invertebrates.

   In poikilotherms, the body temperature fluctuates with changes in the surrounding temperature. Unlike homeotherms, such as mammals and birds, which maintain a fairly constant internal body temperature, poikilotherms have body temperatures that vary widely. For example, when exposed to warm conditions, poikilotherms' body temperatures rise, making them more active, whereas colder environments result in a decrease in body temperature, leading to a decrease in metabolism and activity levels.

   Poikilotherms employ various behavioral and physiological adaptations to adjust their body temperature within their surroundings. They might bask in the sun to raise their body temperature or retreat to cooler areas or burrows to reduce it. Additionally, some poikilotherms undergo physiological changes, such as changing their blood flow or metabolic rates, to adapt to temperature variations.

   The term "poikilothermy" is derived from the Greek words "poikilos," meaning varied or diverse, and "thermos," meaning heat. It is often contrasted with "homeothermy," the ability of certain organisms to maintain a stable internal body temperature. Understanding poikilothermy is crucial for comprehending the behavior, metabolism, and ecological adaptation of these organisms in diverse environments.

Common Misspellings for POIKILOTHERMY

• ooikilothermy
• loikilothermy
• -oikilothermy
• 0oikilothermy
• piikilothermy
• pkikilothermy
• plikilothermy
• ppikilothermy
• p0ikilothermy
• p9ikilothermy
• poukilothermy
• pojkilothermy
• pokkilothermy
• pookilothermy
• po9kilothermy
• po8kilothermy
• poijilothermy
• poimilothermy
• poililothermy
• poioilothermy

Etymology of POIKILOTHERMY

The word poikilothermy is derived from the combination of two Greek words: poikilos meaning varied or diverse, and thermos meaning temperature.