A poikilotherm (/ˈpɔɪkələˌθɜːrm, pɔɪˈkɪləˌθɜːrm/) is an animal (Greek poikilos – 'various', 'spotted', and therme – 'heat') whose internal temperature varies considerably.
[2] However some ectotherms seek constant-temperature environments to the point that they are able to maintain a constant internal temperature, and are considered actual or practical homeotherms.
[3] It is this distinction that often makes the term poikilotherm more useful than the vernacular "cold-blooded", which is sometimes used to refer to ectotherms more generally.
Frogs are a notable example of this effect, though their complex development is also an important factor in their large genome.
[9] The metabolism of poikilotherms favors strategies such as sit-and-wait hunting over chasing prey for larger animals with high movement cost.
[citation needed] Such applies even to animals with similar ecological roles such as cats and snakes.