Ectotherms

Ectotherms are organisms that rely on external environmental temperatures to regulate their body heat, rather than generating their own warmth. Common examples include reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Because they absorb heat from their surroundings, ectotherms often become less active in cooler conditions and more active when it's warm. This temperature dependency influences their behavior, metabolism, and habitat choices. Unlike endotherms, like mammals and birds, which maintain a constant internal temperature, ectotherms can conserve energy by minimizing activity when conditions are not favorable.