Physiology
Ectotherm
An organism that regulates body temperature primarily through external sources of heat, such as sunlight or warm surfaces. Includes most fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.
Biological Context
Ectotherms cannot generate significant internal heat. They bask in sun to warm up, seek shade to cool down. Their metabolism slows in cold temperatures. Ectothermy is energy-efficient (low food requirements) but limits activity in cold environments.
Business Application
Ectothermic organizations: those whose activity level depends on external market energy. They conserve resources in slow markets but cannot generate their own momentum.