What are poikilothermic organisms?

: an organism (such as a frog) with a variable body temperature that tends to fluctuate with and is similar to or slightly higher than the temperature of its environment : a cold-blooded organism.

Are humans poikilothermic?

The body core temperature of carnivores, horses and humans fluctuates by one to two degrees Celsius throughout the day dependent on activity. Fish, amphibians or reptiles are not greatly impacted by a slight drop in body temperature. They are among the poikilothermic organisms or ectotherms.

Are all Poikilotherms except?

An animal whose body temperature varies with the temperature of its surroundings; any animal except birds and mammals.

What is the difference between ectothermic and poikilothermic?

ectotherm: An animal that relies on external environment to regulate its internal body temperature. poikilotherm: An animal that varies its internal body temperature within a wide range of temperatures, usually as a result of variation in the environmental temperature.

What is the medical definition of a poikilotherm?

Medical Definition of poikilotherm. : an organism (as a frog) with a variable body temperature that is usually slightly higher than the temperature of its environment : a cold-blooded organism. — called also heterotherm. Comments on poikilotherm.

How does a poikilotherm compete with a homeotherm?

However, when homeotherms and poikilotherms have similar niches, and compete, the homeotherm can often drive poikilothermic competitors to extinction, because homeotherms can gather food for a greater fraction of each day. In medicine, loss of normal thermoregulation in humans is referred to as “poikilothermia”.

How much energy does a poikilotherm need per day?

As they do not use their metabolisms to heat or cool themselves, total energy requirement over time is low. For the same body weight, poikilotherms need only 5 to 10% of the energy of homeotherms.