EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Abstract. Endothermy is a conspicuous and important adaptation in birds. Even though juvenile and adult birds are endothermic and maintain a constant, high body temperature by means of internal heat production, they begin life expressing an ectothermic phenotype.

Detailed explanation-2: -The endotherms primarily include the birds and mammals; however, some fish are also endothermic. If heat loss exceeds heat generation, metabolism increases to make up the loss or the animal shivers to raise its body temperature.

Detailed explanation-3: -Most birds are homeothermic, normally maintaining their body temperature within a range of less than 1 °C (1.8 °F) by active metabolic means. However, some small birds are heterothermic, in that they allow their nocturnal body temperature to drop by as much as 10 °C (18 °F).

Detailed explanation-4: -If all the vital organs of an animal are kept at approximately the same temperature then its body temperature is determined by the most temperature-sensitive organ. Mammals and Birds are homeothermic animals. Thus, they have the ability to maintain a somewhat constant body temperature.

Detailed explanation-5: -Birds are endothermic, and because they fly, they require large amounts of energy, necessitating a high metabolic rate. Like mammals, which are also endothermic, birds have an insulating covering that keeps heat in the body: feathers.