An ectotherm is an animal (perhaps a reptile or fish) which can't control their body temperature internally - they control their body temperature through their behaviour. This might be through a number of ways - including physically moving from one place to another, so from direct sunlight to shade so they don't overheat.
In the case of ectotherms, their internal temperature depends on that of their surroundings and their activity level depends on the external temperature. They're more active at higher temperatures and less active at lower temperatures.
As far as their metabolic rate is concerned, it's variable and they generate very little heat themselves.
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