Back
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

cold-blooded

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Cold-blooded is an adjective that describes animals that cannot regulate their own body temperature. Their body temperature changes with the surrounding environment. Cold-blooded animals are also called ectotherms.

Some examples of cold-blooded animals include:

  • Reptiles: Snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles are all cold-blooded.
  • Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and salamanders are also cold-blooded.
  • Fish: Most fish are cold-blooded.

Some invertebrates: Some insects, spiders, and worms are also cold-blooded.

Cold-blooded animals have a few advantages over warm-blooded animals. They are more energy-efficient because they do not have to use energy to maintain their body temperature. They are also able to survive in a wider range of temperatures.

However, cold-blooded animals also have some disadvantages. They are more susceptible to changes in temperature, and they may not be able to move as quickly as warm-blooded animals.

Here are some of the key things to know about cold-blooded animals:

  • They cannot regulate their own body temperature.
  • Their body temperature changes with the surrounding environment.
  • They are also called ectotherms.
  • Some examples of cold-blooded animals include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and some invertebrates.
  • They have a few advantages over warm-blooded animals, such as being more energy-efficient.
  • They also have some disadvantages, such as being more susceptible to changes in temperature.

How can the word be used?

Amphibians are cold-blooded animals.

cold-blooded

Different forms of the word

Adjective:

Cold-blooded: having a body temperature that changes with the temperature of the environment.

Cold-bloodedly: in a cold-blooded manner.

Noun:

Cold-bloodedness: the state of being cold-blooded.

Etymology

The word "cold-blooded" is made up of two words: "cold" and "blooded".

Cold: This word comes from the Old English word "cald", which also means "cold".

Blooded: This word comes from the Old English word "blōd", which also means "blood".

Question

What animals are cold-blooded?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being cold-blooded?

Answer:

Cold-blooded animals are ectotherms, which means that they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. This has both advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages.

Energy conservation: Cold-blooded animals do not need to expend as much energy to maintain their body temperature as warm-blooded animals. This can be an advantage in environments where food is scarce.

Ability to live in a wider range of habitats: Cold-blooded animals can live in a wider range of habitats than warm-blooded animals. This is because they are not as limited by the availability of heat.

Disadvantages.

Slow reaction times: Cold-blooded animals have slower reaction times than warm-blooded animals. This is because their body temperature is not as stable, which can make it difficult for them to respond quickly to changes in their environment.

Susceptibility to temperature extremes: Cold-blooded animals are more susceptible to temperature extremes than warm-blooded animals. This is because they cannot regulate their body temperature internally, so they are more likely to be harmed by cold or hot weather.

Overall, there are both advantages and disadvantages to being cold-blooded. The specific advantages and disadvantages will vary depending on the environment in which the animal lives.