Understand organisms' energy use - AP Biology

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Question

A lizard warms himself up on a rock that has been out in the sun. When the sun sets, his body temperature drops back down. Is the lizard endothermic or exothermic?

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Answer

Endothermic organisms can regulate their own body temperature via internal regulation mechanisms independent of environmental factors. For example, a dog is able to cool itself down in the heat of day by panting. Exothermic organisms cannot internally regulate their own body temperature. Rather, they have external regulation, and they depend on environmental factors. The lizard mentioned cannot regulate his own body temperature. In order to warm up, he must find sunlight and heat to increase his body temperature; in order to cool down he may find shade or seek refuge underground. Exothermic organisms are extremely dependent on climate to carry out life functions.

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