Hematothermal

/ˌhɛmətəʊˈθɜːməl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or produced by the heat of blood, or describing warm-blooded organisms.

Etymology

From Greek haima (blood) + therme (heat). This scientific term was developed to describe the metabolic property of organisms that maintain constant body temperature through internal heat production.

Kelly Says

Mammals and birds are hematothermal, which means they burn calories to stay warm—that's why you need to eat more when it's cold outside! This strategy is metabolically expensive but lets animals stay active in any temperature, unlike cold-blooded reptiles.

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