Which term describes animals that maintain body temperature through metabolic heat?

Which term describes animals that maintain body temperature through metabolic heat?

• A. Ectotherm
• B. Endotherm
• C. Poikilotherm
• D. Heterotherm

Answer: (B)

Endothermy is the ability to keep a relatively constant internal body temperature by generating heat through metabolic processes. Animals like mammals and birds produce heat from within—through cellular respiration, shivering, and other metabolic activities—and often use insulation to help retain that heat. This internal heat production lets them stay active across a wide range of environmental conditions, rather than simply cooling or warming with the surroundings. Ectotherms rely on external heat sources, so their body temperature mirrors the environment. Poikilotherms describe organisms whose body temperature varies with the environment, and heterotherms can switch between different thermoregulation strategies.

Endothermy is the ability to keep a relatively constant internal body temperature by generating heat through metabolic processes. Animals like mammals and birds produce heat from within—through cellular respiration, shivering, and other metabolic activities—and often use insulation to help retain that heat. This internal heat production lets them stay active across a wide range of environmental conditions, rather than simply cooling or warming with the surroundings. Ectotherms rely on external heat sources, so their body temperature mirrors the environment. Poikilotherms describe organisms whose body temperature varies with the environment, and heterotherms can switch between different thermoregulation strategies.