What is the Difference Between Homeothermic and Poikilothermic?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between homeothermic and poikilothermic lies in their ability to regulate their internal body temperature.
Homeothermic animals maintain a constant internal body temperature within a narrow range, usually through metabolic processes and behavioral adaptations. Homeotherms include birds and mammals, which regulate their body temperature regardless of external environmental changes.
Poikilothermic animals, on the other hand, have a varying internal body temperature that is influenced by the ambient environmental temperature. Poikilotherms include many species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as birds and mammals that lower their metabolism and body temperature during hibernation. Poikilothermic animals rely on external sources of heat to regulate their internal temperature.
In summary, homeothermic animals maintain a stable internal body temperature, while poikilothermic animals have a variable internal body temperature that is affected by external factors.
Comparative Table: Homeothermic vs Poikilothermic
The main difference between homeothermic and poikilothermic organisms lies in their ability to regulate their internal body temperature. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two:
| Feature | Homeothermic | Poikilothermic |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Homeothermic organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature within a narrow range. | Poikilothermic organisms have a variable internal body temperature that is influenced by the ambient environmental temperature. |
| Thermoregulation | Homeothermic organisms actively maintain their body temperature through metabolic activities such as shivering and perspiration. | Poikilothermic organisms rely on external sources of heat to regulate their internal temperature. |
| Examples | Homeothermic organisms include birds and mammals. | Poikilothermic organisms include fish, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as some birds and mammals that lower their metabolism and body temperature during hibernation. |
In summary, homeothermic organisms maintain a constant internal body temperature, while poikilothermic organisms have a variable internal body temperature that is influenced by the external environment.
- Ectotherm vs Endotherm
- Endothermic vs Exothermic Reactions
- Homeostasis vs Metabolism
- Eurythermal vs Stenothermal Animals
- Allostasis vs Homeostasis
- Warm Blooded vs Cold Blooded Animals
- Hypothermia vs Hyperthermia
- Thermal vs Heat
- Homeostasis vs Equilibrium
- Osmoregulation vs Thermoregulation
- Extremophiles vs Hyperthermophiles
- Heat vs Temperature
- Mesophiles vs Thermophiles
- Thermal Energy vs Temperature
- Thermometer vs Thermostat
- Heat Transfer vs Thermodynamics
- Enthalpy vs Heat
- Diapause vs Hibernation
- Isohyets vs Isotherms