Bats are mammals and since mammals maintain their body’s internal environment on their own, they are by default, endothermic creatures. Other endotherms include other mammals, birds, some fish, insects, and even some plants. These creatures are capable of generating sufficient amounts of heat energy to maintain a high core temperatures of 37 to 40 degrees Celsius.
To maintain a constant body temperature, endotherms must balance heat loss with heat production. Heat loss is minimilized in most mammals by having a thick coat of fur or a thick layer of fat beneath the skin. Heat loss on the other hand occurs when an animal sweats, pants, or seeks shelter in cooler environments.
Ectothermic creatures on the other hand such as reptiles, require an external source to assist in the maintenance of their internal environment. Many ectotherms are able to regulate their body temperatures behaviorally, and can be found doing so by moving in and out of sunlight.
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