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One reason might be the 'false economy' of having to heat up their bodies. Approximately 80% of human energy goes towards heating our bodies to a stable temperature. However, for fish and reptiles to do this, it may not have been a evolutionary advantage. For example snakes and crocodiles can gorge themselves on one large meal and then not have to feed again for months. This would not be possible if they had a 'central heating system'. Likewise fish would need to devote large amounts of energy towards heating up their bodies in colder water and it makes sense for them to merely adapt to it instead. An example of this is the fact that although fish are exothermic, many species are capable of surviving in large temperature variations (so long as they are not too rapid) that would quickly kill most mammals. Therefore although mammals are warm blooded, they are far less tolerant of changes in temperature that deviate too far from whatever their species ideal is.
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Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoUnlike mammals and birds, most fishes have no way to control their body temperature. This means that the temperature of there blood depends on the environment which they are in. This means that if they are in cold water, their blood will be cold.
However, most "cold-blooded" animals will seek out warm environments because it is easier for them to live when they are warmer. So, fishes in warm environments are technically not cold blooded.
For this reason, scientists do not use the term "cold blooded". Instead they use ectothermic, meaning they get their heat from an external source.
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Are fish cold or warm blooded?
Most fish are cold blooded, though there is evidence that some sharks may be warm blooded.cold blooded
Are clown fish cold or warm blooded?
Clown fish are cold-blooded.
Animals whose body temperature changes with their environment?
They are called cold-blooded animals. Mammals are not cold-blooded. The best examples of a cold-blooded animal are lizards. That is why they bask in the sun, so that they can soak up enough heat to keep them alive.
What animal is cold blooded with teeth?
Fish, amphibians, reptiles (not turtles as they don´t have teeth).
Are Mudfish warm blooded or cold blooded?
All fish, including mud fish, are cold blooded, as there body temperature changes with the temperature of the water.
Is man a hot blooded animal?
no it is a warm blooded animal. Mammals are warm blooded but reptiles like snake are cold blooded and also fish are cold blooded birds are warm blooded
Are fish cold or warm blooded?
Most fish are cold blooded, though there is evidence that some sharks may be warm blooded.cold blooded
Is the Utah lake sculpin fish warm or cold blooded?
The Utah Lake Sculpin is a cold blooded animal
Is osteichythyes a cold blooded animal?
Boned fish? yes, as all fish are.
Is chondrichthyes cold blooded animal?
Cartilage fish? Yes, as all fish are.
Which animal groups are cold blooded?
Reptiles, fish, and amphibians
Are puffer fish cold blooded?
Every fish is cold blooded exempt the tuna fish so a puffer fish is cold blooded.
Is a cold blooded animal an invertebrate?
All invertebrates are cold blooded; however, not all cold blooded animals are invertebrates. For example, reptiles, amphibians and most fish are cold blooded, but they are not invertebrates.
What are some clod blooded animal?
Reptiles, amphibians, and fish are all cold blooded animals.
Are algae fish cold blooded?
Yes algae fish are cold blooded all fish are cold blooded.
Is a clown fish cold blooded?
Yes. All fish are cold-blooded.
What is the name for a cold blooded animal with scaly skin?
Fish. Reptile.
