heterothermic
/ˌhɛtərəˈθɜrmɪk/
adjective
- Describing an animal that can vary its body temperature, usually depending on the environment, but is not fully warm-blooded or cold-blooded.
- Some bats are heterothermic, lowering their body temperature while resting to save energy.
- Scientists study heterothermic animals to understand how they adapt to changing climates.
- The heterothermic nature of the hummingbird allows it to enter a torpor state at night.
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