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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1998
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Epic Interactive Encyclopedia, The - 1998 Edition (1998)(Epic Marketing).iso
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H
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Homeothermy
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INFOTEXT
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1992-09-02
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720b
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The maintenance of a constant body
temperature in endothermic (warm-blooded)
animals, by the use of chemical body
processes to compensate for heat loss or gain
when external temperatures change. Such
processes include generation of heat by the
breakdown of food and the contraction of
muscles, and loss of heat by sweating,
panting, and other means. Mammals and birds
are homeotherms, whereas invertebrates, fish,
amphibians, and reptiles are cold-blooded or
poikilotherms. Homeotherms generally have a
layer of insulating material to retain heat,
such as fur, feathers, or fat (see blubber).
Their metabolism functions more efficiently
due to homeothermy, enabling them to remain
active under most climatic conditions.