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NAL Agricultural Thesaurus
U.S. Department of Agriculture

Concept Breadcrumbs

Fields of Study > physiology > physiological regulation > thermoregulation > ectothermy
Preferred Term:

ectothermy

Definition:
The use of environmental or ambient heat to control body temperature. Body temperature of ectothermic animals usually varies widely but may be moderated by the animal's behavior. For example, snakes and lizards may maintain a relatively constant temperature by basking in the sun or seeking underground refugia.
Concept Schemes:
NALT Full
Broader Concept:
thermoregulation
Related Concepts:
Entry Terms:
  • ectotherms
  • ectothermic animals
URI:
https://lod.nal.usda.gov/nalt/296351
Download this Concept:
RDF/XMLCreated 2017-03-23, last modified 2017-11-10