Cold-blooded animals are animals that cannot regulate their internal body temperature with the change in the environment. They are also known as ectothermic animals, which means they use sources of heat outside of their own bodies to maintain their metabolic functions. Examples of cold-blooded animals include reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects.
Unlike warm-blooded animals, cold-blooded animals do not produce their own heat, so they cannot maintain a constant body temperature. Their body temperature varies with the temperature of the surrounding environment. When it is warm, cold-blooded animals become more active and can move more quickly because the heat they absorb activates their muscles and provides energy. Conversely, when it is cold, they become sluggish and inactive, conserving energy and seeking warmth.
Cold-blooded animals can be either terrestrial or aquatic. They have evolved interesting mechanisms to adapt to their environment. For example, when exposed to the suns rays, theyll align perpendicular to it to warm their bodies. Conversely, to cool down, theyll lie parallel to the sun rays or seek shade. Even though in hot climates their blood temperature can surpass that of warm-blooded animals, they require less energy to survive since their metabolism slows down in colder conditions.
In summary, cold-blooded animals are animals that cannot regulate their internal body temperature with the change in the environment. They use sources of heat outside of their own bodies to maintain their metabolic functions and their body temperature varies with the temperature of the surrounding environment.