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homotherm

homotherm

9.9
An animal that keeps its body at a steady temperature, like mammals or birds
  • noun
  • /ˈhoʊməˌθɜrm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : homeotermo
  • Birds are classified as homotherms because they regulate their body temperature internally.

Examples

  • A mammal's ability to be a homotherm helps it stay active in cold environments.

  • Unlike reptiles, homotherms can thrive in a wider range of climates.

  • A homotherm can survive in diverse climates.

  • Many mammals are classified as homotherms.

  • Mammals, such as whales and humans, are examples of homotherms that maintain a stable body temperature regardless of the surroundings.

  • Being a homotherm, a polar bear can hunt effectively even in freezing temperatures due to its ability to regulate its body heat.

  • As homotherms, birds can adapt to various environments without sacrificing their body temperature control.

Synonyms

endotherm
vshomotherm
  • Specialized
1 6.7

An animal that keeps its body warm by making heat inside its body

does not specify internal heat production as the method
homeotherm
vshomotherm
  • Specialized
9.9

An animal that keeps its body temperature almost the same in cold or hot places

is identical in meaning according to the description
homoiotherm
vshomotherm
  • Specialized
9.9

An animal that keeps its body temperature nearly the same, like birds and mammals

is identical in meaning according to the description

Antonyms

poikilotherm
  • Specialized
9.9

An animal whose body heat changes with the air or water temperature like fish and reptiles

How Stable

endotherm
  • Specialized
1 6.7
homotherm
  • Specialized
9.9
poikilotherm
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

homotherm singular
homotherms plural

Morphology

homotherm = therm (transparent) = homo + therm

The word is a straightforward prefixation of 'therm' with 'homo-' meaning 'same', yielding 'maintains the same heat'.

Etymology

Homotherm comes from the parts homo- meaning 'same' and therm meaning 'heat', the same 'therm' you see in thermometer. So a homotherm is an animal that keeps its body heat at a steady level, which is why mammals and birds can stay active in very cold or warm places.