homothermacy
The physiological state or property of maintaining a stable internal body temperature regardless of external environmental changes. This condition is primarily achieved through internal metabolic processes and is a hallmark of birds and mammals.
Examples
3 of 5The dog's homothermacy ensures its body temperature remains steady whether it's playing in the snow or resting in the sun.
The dog's homothermacy ensures its body temperature remains steady whether it's playing in the snow or resting in the sun.
The evolutionary emergence of homothermacy provided vertebrates with the metabolic stamina required for sustained activity.
The evolutionary emergence of homothermacy provided vertebrates with the metabolic stamina required for sustained activity.
It's our homothermacy that makes us feel so hungry when it's freezing outside; our bodies are burning fuel just to stay warm.
It's our homothermacy that makes us feel so hungry when it's freezing outside; our bodies are burning fuel just to stay warm.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'thermostat' (therm) that keeps the temperature the 'same' (homo) in a 'state' (-acy) of balance.
Quick Quiz
The evolutionary success of mammals in arctic climates is largely attributed to their ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
The dog's homothermacy ensures its body temperature remains steady whether it's playing in the snow or resting in the sun.
everydayThe dog's homothermacy ensures its body temperature remains steady whether it's playing in the snow or resting in the sun.
The evolutionary emergence of homothermacy provided vertebrates with the metabolic stamina required for sustained activity.
formalThe evolutionary emergence of homothermacy provided vertebrates with the metabolic stamina required for sustained activity.
It's our homothermacy that makes us feel so hungry when it's freezing outside; our bodies are burning fuel just to stay warm.
informalIt's our homothermacy that makes us feel so hungry when it's freezing outside; our bodies are burning fuel just to stay warm.
A comparative analysis of avian and mammalian homothermacy reveals distinct thermoregulatory strategies developed over millions of years.
academicA comparative analysis of avian and mammalian homothermacy reveals distinct thermoregulatory strategies developed over millions of years.
The startup is developing bio-synthetic fabrics that mimic the homothermacy of polar bears to maximize heat retention for extreme sports.
businessThe startup is developing bio-synthetic fabrics that mimic the homothermacy of polar bears to maximize heat retention for extreme sports.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
the cost of homothermacy
the high energy expenditure required to maintain temperature
biological homothermacy
natural temperature regulation in living organisms
mechanisms of homothermacy
the physical processes that regulate body heat
Often Confused With
Homeostasis is the general maintenance of all internal balances, whereas homothermacy refers specifically to temperature.
Poikilothermy is the opposite state where internal temperature varies with the environment (cold-blooded).
Usage Notes
This term is highly technical and mainly used in biology, zoology, and physiology. It is a more formal and precise alternative to 'warm-bloodedness'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often treat this word as a verb because of its ending, but it is strictly a noun. It is also frequently confused with the more common spelling 'homeothermy'.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'thermostat' (therm) that keeps the temperature the 'same' (homo) in a 'state' (-acy) of balance.
Word Origin
From the Greek 'homos' (same) + 'therme' (heat) + the suffix '-acy' (denoting a state or quality).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
The evolutionary success of mammals in arctic climates is largely attributed to their ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
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