Temperature Regulation and Endothermy

Flashcards covering key vocabulary related to temperature regulation and endothermy in organisms.

Homeotherm

An organism that maintains a stable internal body temperature regardless of external conditions.

Ectotherm

An organism that relies on external environmental heat sources to regulate body temperature.

Poikilotherm

An organism whose body temperature varies with the environment.

Circadian Rhythm

The natural internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological processes in accordance with the 24-hour day.

Secondary Palate

A structure in the mouth that separates the nasal cavity from the oral cavity, allowing for simultaneous breathing and eating.

Four Chambered Heart

A heart structure that completely separates oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, providing more efficient blood circulation.

Jaw Articulation

The way jaw bones are structured to optimize feeding and energy use in organisms.

Diaphragm

A muscle that separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity and assists in breathing by contracting and expanding.

Endothermy

The ability of an organism to generate and regulate its internal body heat, often involving metabolic processes.

Hair and Sweat Glands

Physiological adaptations in endothermic organisms that help retain heat or lose heat, respectively.