Word: Poikilothermous
Definition: The word "poikilothermous" is an adjective used to describe animals (except birds and mammals) that cannot regulate their body temperature. Instead, their body temperature changes based on the temperature of their environment. This means that if the surrounding area gets warmer or cooler, the animal's body temperature will also change.
Usage Instructions: - Use "poikilothermous" when you are talking about animals like reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. - It is a technical term often used in biology or environmental science.
Example Sentence: - "Lizards are poikilothermous animals; they sunbathe on rocks to warm up their bodies when it's cold outside."
Advanced Usage: - In scientific discussions, you might see "poikilothermous" used in contrast with "homeothermous," which refers to animals that maintain a constant body temperature (like mammals and birds).
Word Variants: - The noun form is "poikilothermy," which refers to the condition of being poikilothermous. - Related terms include "ectotherm," which is often used interchangeably with poikilothermous, although it specifically refers to animals that rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature.
Different Meaning: - Generally, "poikilothermous" does not have different meanings outside the context of biology. It specifically pertains to temperature regulation in animals.
Synonyms: - Ectothermic - Cold-blooded (a more common and informal term)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "poikilothermous," as it is a specialized term.
Summary: "Poikilothermous" is a scientific term used to describe animals whose body temperature varies with their environment. It is important in discussions about animal physiology and ecology.