What distinguishes ectotherms from endotherms?

Answer 1

Ectotherms and endotherms must both keep their internal temperatures as steady as possible. An ectotherm, like a snake, might get warm by laying out in the sun. Meanwhile, an endotherm, like a person, can get warm anywhere because people stay warm from the inside.

Answer 2

endotherms (mammals, birds) make there own heat energy, so they often eat more than ectotherms (reptiles, insects, fish, amphibians), which can't make there own heat and thus have to rely on the surrounding environment for heat. that is why you'll often find reptiles basking in the sun.

Answer 3

Endothermic = warm-blooded

Ectothermic = cold-blooded

Endotherms are able to maintain their own body temperature, whereas Ectotherms rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. Ectotherms are animals like reptiles, fish, etc. Reptiles lay out in the sun in order to keep themselves warm and to aid in digestion. Humans are endotherms.