Temperature regulation is the process by which living organisms maintain their internal body temperature within a certain range, despite changes in the external environment. This is crucial for survival, as extreme temperatures can disrupt vital bodily functions. For example, humans have a normal body temperature of around 98.6°F (37°C) and use mechanisms like sweating and shivering to help regulate it. Different organisms have various strategies for temperature regulation. Endotherms, like birds and mammals, generate their own heat and can maintain a stable temperature regardless of the surroundings. In contrast, ectotherms, such as reptiles, rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature, often basking in the sun to warm up.