The process by which animals maintain their body temperature is called thermoregulation. Animals employ various mechanisms to regulate their internal temperatures, whether they are endothermic (warm-blooded) or ectothermic (cold-blooded). Endothermic animals generate heat through metabolic processes, while ectothermic animals rely on external environmental sources. Effective thermoregulation is crucial for survival, influencing behaviors such as seeking shade or basking in the sun.