Ectotherm vs Endotherm Metabolic Response to Temperature Curve #1290704 (License: Personal Use)

The graph plots metabolic rate in joules against ambient temperature (5°-45°C), with the lizard’s broad, low-peaked curve indicating ectothermy-metabolism rises gradually with temperature. In contrast, the mouse’s narrow, high-amplitude peak near 37°C reflects endothermy, maintaining stable internal temperature via elevated metabolic cost. Silhouettes visually anchor each organism to its respective thermal response profile.

Used in biology education, physiology textbooks, or science outreach pages explaining thermoregulation strategies; targets students, educators, and researchers seeking visual comparison of metabolic adaptations.