BRAINCAKEEndotherms
An endotherm is an animal that generates most of its body heat internally from metabolic reactions and keeps its core temperature fairly constant, whatever the temperature of the surroundings. Mammals and birds are endotherms.
Endotherms have a high metabolic rate. Much of the energy released in respiration is lost as heat, and this heat keeps the body warm. They can also adjust their heat production and heat loss physiologically, for example by shivering or sweating.
Advantages
• A constant core temperature near the optimum for their enzymes, so metabolism runs at a steady, fast rate.
• They can stay active when the environment is cold, including at night and in winter.
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Key terms in this lesson
- surface area to volume ratio
- The ratio of an organism's outer surface area to its volume, which affects the rate of heat exchange with the surroundings.
More in Homeostasis
- Diabetes Insipidus
- Thermoregulation
- Losing or Gaining Heat
- Control of Body Temperature
- Ectotherms
- Thermoregulation in Endotherms
- The Skin
- Keeping Cool
All 41 lessons in Homeostasis · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics