Differences Between Endotherm And Ectotherm

The main difference between ectotherms (reptiles and amphibians) and endotherms (birds) is the difference of their temperature regulation mechanisms. Ectotherms depends on their external environment for maintaining body temperature, while endotherms have the ability to internally generate heat to regulate their own body temperatures.

Endotherm vs. Ectotherm

Here are the main differences between endotherm and Ectotherm organisms:

Aspect	Endotherms	Ectotherms
Temperature Control	Regulate their internal body temperature	Rely on external sources for heat
Metabolic Rate	High metabolic rate	Lower metabolic rate
Energy Usage	Require more energy for temperature regulation	Less energy required for temperature regulation
Heat Production	Generate heat internally	Obtain heat from the environment
Activity Level	Active in a wide range of temperatures	Activity levels influenced by temperature
Environment	Found in diverse habitats	Commonly found in warm climates
Body Temperature Variation	Body temperature is constant	Body temperature varies over time
Geological Distribution	High geological distribution	Lesser geological distribution
Food Requirement	Require more food than ectotherms	Require less food
Metabolic Rates	High metabolic rates	Low metabolic rates