An ectotherm (from the Greek ἐκτός (ektós) "outside" and θερμός (thermós) "hot"), is an organism in

which internal physiological sources of heat are of relatively small or quite negligible importance in
controlling body temperature.[1] Such organisms (for example frogs) rely on environmental heat
sources,[2] which permit them to operate at very economical metabolic rates.[3] Some of these animals
live in environments where temperatures are practically constant, as is typical of regions of the abyssal
ocean and hence can be regarded as homeothermic ectotherms. In contrast, in places where
temperature varies so widely as to limit the physiological activities of other kinds of ectotherms, many
species habitually seek out external sources of heat or shelter from heat; for example, many reptiles
regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun, or seeking shade when necessary in addition to a
whole host of other behavioral thermoregulation mechanisms. For home captivity of pet reptiles,
owners can use a UVB/UVA light system to assist the animals' basking behaviour.[4]

In contrast to ectotherms, endotherms rely largely, even predominantly, on heat from internal
metabolic processes, and mesotherms use an intermediate strategy.

In ectotherms, fluctuating ambient temperatures may affect the body temperature. Such variation in
body temperature is called poikilothermy, though the concept is not widely satisfactory and the use of
the term is declining. In small aquatic creatures such as Rotifera, the poikilothermy is practically
absolute, but other creatures (like crabs) have wider physiological options at their disposal, and they can
move to preferred temperatures, avoid ambient temperature changes, or moderate their effects.[1][5]
Ectotherms can also display the features of homeothermy, especially within aquatic organisms.
Normally their range of ambient environmental temperatures is relatively constant, and there are few in
number that attempt to maintain a higher internal temperature due to the high associated costs.[6]