The capacity of most ectotherms to adjust their metabolic rates to the prevailing temperature such that the intensity of metabolism remains mostly unchanged is called
A)poikilothermy.
B)temperature compensation.
C)metabolic ectothermy.
D)homeothermy.
E)behavioral thermoregulation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is called temperature compensation, where the ectotherm is able to adjust their metabolic rate to maintain a relatively stable level of metabolism despite changes in ambient temperature. Option A, poikilothermy, is a general term referring to organisms whose body temperature varies with the environment. Option C, metabolic ectothermy, is not a commonly used term. Option D, homeothermy, refers to animals that maintain a constant body temperature. Option E, behavioral thermoregulation, involves actively seeking out or avoiding certain temperatures through behavior, which is not what is being described in the question.

The Capacity of Most Ectotherms to Adjust Their Metabolic Rates