Definition

A type of organism that cannot regulate its body temperature internally and instead relies on the temperature of its environment, often referred to as cold-blooded animals like reptiles and fish.

Example

Frogs are examples of poikilotherms, as their body temperature changes with the surrounding environment.

Conversation

Did you know that a frog is considered a poikilotherm?

Really? I always thought they were just cold-blooded animals.

Yeah, their body temperature changes with the environment, just like other poikilotherm creatures.

That's interesting! I guess that's why they thrive in warmer weather.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Poikilotherm → It is formed from "poikilos" (from Greek, meaning varied or changing) and "therm" (from Greek "thermos", meaning heat). The word describes an organism that has a variable body temperature, adapting to the temperature of its environment.

Memory Tip

Think of 'varied' ('poikilos') to remember that a poikilotherm is an organism whose body temperature changes with its surroundings.

Visually Confused Words