cold-blooded reptile
noun phrase
Meaning
An animal that relies on external environmental sources, such as sunlight or warm surfaces, to maintain its internal body temperature rather than generating it internally.
Examples
- As a cold-blooded reptile, the snake must bask in the sun to gain enough energy to hunt.
- The desert habitat is ideal for the cold-blooded reptile because it provides consistent heat throughout the day.
Synonyms: ectotherm, poikilotherm