Homeothermy is the characteristic of some animals in keeping their body temperatures relatively constant, even with variations in environmental temperature.
Men, birds and a good part of mammals are homeothermic beings. The temperature for humans is around 37°C, while for birds it is 41°C and for mammals it varies between 39°C.
Body temperature is controlled by the balance between heat produced by the body and heat gained or lost to the external environment.
The maintenance of homeothermy is guaranteed by a series of physiological, morphological and behavioral conditions and adjustments. This regulation makes it possible to balance the heat produced and lost or gained to the environment.
The ability to maintain a constant body temperature is a benefit for the body because its biochemical reactions can be tuned to work most efficiently at that temperature adjusted.
For example, proteins or other biological molecules may not function properly or lose their natural structure at high temperatures.
Controlling body temperature is an example of homeostasis. THE homeostasis it is the process by which an organism maintains constant internal conditions necessary for life.
Classification of animals in relation to temperature
As for temperature, animals can be classified in the following ways:
As for the variation in body temperature
- Heterothermics: body temperature varies according to the temperature of the environment. Example: fish, amphibians and reptiles.
- Homeotherms: body temperature remains constant, even with changes in the environment. Example: man, birds and mammals.
As for the energy source used in temperature regulation
- endothermics: depend on metabolic heat production to maintain their body temperatures. These are animals that can generate enough metabolic heat to raise their body temperatures.
- Ectotherms: use the heat sources in the environment to obtain the heat needed to maintain their metabolic activities. That is, they use the heat from the environment to raise their temperatures. Example: reptiles and insects. That's why reptiles tend to sunbathe so they can regulate their body temperature.
know more about Metabolism.