Warm-blooded

Definition

Having a body temperature that is relatively constant and independent of the temperature of the surrounding environment, typically maintained through internal physiological processes.

Etymology

The term combines 'warm' referring to higher temperature, and 'blooded' referring to the presence of blood that maintains this temperature.

Example

Unlike insects and arachnids, birds and mammals are examples of warm-blooded animals because they can regulate their body temperature internally.

Synonyms

• Endothermic
• Homeothermic

Related Terms

• Cold-blooded
• Thermoregulation
• Metabolism
• Endothermy

Usage Notes

Warm-blooded is not typically used to describe insects or arachnids, as they are ectothermic (cold-blooded). This term is usually relevant to the study of vertebrates.