Definition of endotherm in English:
endotherm
noun ˈɛndə(ʊ)θəːmˈendəˌTHərm
Zoology An animal that is dependent on or capable of the internal generation of heat.
Compare with homeotherm
Often contrasted with ectotherm
Example sentencesExamples
- However, the problem is severe for an endotherm, particularly a small endotherm, which must maintain a steady internal temperature and has a considerably greater demand for respiratory oxygen.
- For example, display and assessment of potential mates may be less costly for endotherms at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures.
- Differential expression of seasonal energetic adaptations generates a continuum in the trophic status of endotherms during winter.
- Extant birds are accomplished endotherms and many maintain the highest body temperatures.
- They are endotherms and they can finely tune the thermal, water, and chemical balance of their bodies from minute to minute.
Derivatives
noun
Zoology Two evolutionary events that shaped current vertebrate life were the transition from water to land, and the development of endothermy.
Example sentencesExamples
- ‘How did endothermy evolve in mammals?’
- The main basis for the faster absorption of nutrients in mammals to fuel endothermy and increased activity relative to reptiles has been shown to be a much greater intestinal surface area in mammals.
- Toward the end of the reign of dinosaurs, some animals, the future mammals and birds, evolved endothermy.
- Different lines of evidence indicate that endothermy as it is known from modern birds and mammals may not have been feasible for most, particularly larger, dinosaurs.
Origin
1940s: from endo- 'within', on the pattern of homeotherm.