I understand that being warm-blooded means we control our body temperature, but HOW does that happen?

Question

and what do cold-blooded creatures lack that does not allow them to self regulate temperature?

In: Biology

Answer 1

Heat is a byproduct of our metabolism, specifically when we use stored up sugars for energy. In warm blooded animals and more warm-blooded body parts of some traditionally colder animals, the body is constantly using up sugars simply to generate that heat. This allows warm blooded creatures to be at peak activity efficiency at all times regardless of environment, but also increases how much food they need to take in.