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Poikilothermous for Dummies

adjective


What does Poikilothermous really mean?

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Hey there! Let's talk about the word "poikilothermous" today. I know it might sound like a big, complicated word, but trust me, we'll break it down in a way that makes it super easy to understand. So, what does "poikilothermous" mean?

Okay, imagine you're sitting outside on a hot summer day. As the sun shines above you, you start to feel warm, right? Well, the word "poikilothermous" is like a fancy way of saying that an animal's body temperature changes with the surrounding environment. In simpler words, poikilothermic animals can't control their body temperature like we humans can.

You see, our bodies are what we call "homeothermic," which means we can keep our body temperature around the same level no matter if it's super hot or freezing cold outside. But poikilothermic animals, like reptiles and amphibians, are different. Their body temperature depends on how warm or cool their environment is. If they are exposed to a warm environment, their body temperature goes up, and if it's a chilly environment, their body temperature goes down. They can't switch on the heater or air conditioner in their bodies to stay cozy like we can!

Now, let me tell you something interesting, fish are also poikilothermic! Imagine you're a fish swimming in a river. If the water is really cold, your body temperature drops too. On the other hand, if the water is warm, your body temperature rises. It's just like when we swim in a pool or in the ocean. If the water is cold, we start shivering, and if it's warm, we feel more comfortable. Well, fish have a similar experience!

So, to sum it up, "poikilothermous" means that an animal's body temperature changes with the temperature of its surroundings. Remember, it's like fish in water and reptiles basking in the sun. They can't control their body temperature like we can, but instead, they adapt to the environment they are in.

I hope that explanation helps you understand what "poikilothermous" means! Remember, if you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask.

Revised and Fact checked by Robert Taylor on 2023-10-28 15:36:05

Poikilothermous In a sentece

Learn how to use Poikilothermous inside a sentece

  • A reptile is a poikilothermous animal because it relies on external sources of heat, such as the sun, to regulate its body temperature.
  • Fish are poikilothermous creatures as their body temperature changes based on the temperature of the water they are in.
  • Amphibians like frogs and toads are poikilothermous animals because their body temperature adjusts according to the temperature of their environment.
  • Insects are examples of poikilothermous organisms; their body temperature fluctuates depending on the temperature of their surroundings.
  • A turtle is a poikilothermous animal because it cannot produce its own body heat and instead takes on the temperature of its surroundings.

Poikilothermous Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Poikilothermous Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.