homoiothermic
Definition
Adjective: * Warm-blooded; maintaining a constant internal body temperature independent of the environment. This term describes animals (specifically birds and mammals) that can regulate their body temperature through internal metabolic processes, keeping it relatively stable despite changes in the surrounding temperature.
Usage
The term is primarily used in formal, scientific, and zoological contexts to classify animals based on their thermoregulation. It is the opposite of "poikilothermic" (cold-blooded).
Examples
- Scientific Classification: "Birds and mammals are homoiothermic, which allows them to be active in a wide range of climates."
- Biological Trait: "The homoiothermic nature of dogs means they shiver to generate heat when they are cold."
- Comparative Biology: "Unlike reptiles, which are poikilothermic, humans are homoiothermic."
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used in discussions about evolution, physiology, and animal adaptation.
- "The development of homoiothermic metabolism was a key evolutionary step for mammals."
Variants and Related Words
- Homeothermic (adj): This is a more common modern spelling and is synonymous with "homoiothermic."
- "Homeothermic animals have high metabolic rates."
- Endothermic (adj): While often used interchangeably in general contexts, "endothermic" more precisely means "generating heat internally," which is the primary mechanism for being homoiothermic.
- "Endothermic processes allow homoiothermic animals to maintain their body temperature."
- Thermoregulation (n): The process of maintaining a stable internal body temperature.
- "Homoiothermic animals exhibit precise thermoregulation."
Synonyms
- Warm-blooded
- Homeothermic
Antonyms
- Poikilothermic
- Cold-blooded
- Ectothermic (referring to relying on external heat sources)
Adjective
-
of birds and mammals; having constant and relatively high body temperature
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ tương tự
Từ gần giống
