Question

What is the difference between an ectotherm and an endotherm?

Answer 1

Ectotherm and endotherm words are applied to vertebrate animals. Endothermic organisms are able to maintain a steady and specific body temperature; but body temperature in ectothermic organisms fluctuate.

Explanation:

1. A steady body temperature in endotherms is maintained through the process of 'homeostasis'; for example normal body temperature of a human is 37 degree celcius.
2. Endothermic organisms rely on internal metabolic heat to keep body temperature steady, thus they exhibit homoeothermy.
3. Endotherms obviously would need more food to maintain a constant internal body temperature irrespective of the temperature of the environment.

Mammals and birds are endothermic.

(Homeostasis is a state of dynamic equilibrium of internal environment of the body, which could be achieved through autonomous nervous control and hormonal coordination.)

There is no thermal homeostasis in ectothermic organisms.

1. Body temperature in these organisms vary according to surrounding environmental temperature.
2. These organisms almost always depend on sunlight to warm up and to start activity.
3. Their metabolic rate is slower than that of endotherms.
4. Change in environmental temperature readily affects activity of ectotherms.

Amphibians and reptiles are ectothermic.