While all mammals are endothermic (meaning they generate their own body heat), the naked mole rat has unique adaptations that allow it to behave in a way that is similar to ectothermic animals.
Here's why:
* Low metabolic rate: They have a lower metabolic rate than most mammals, meaning they don't produce as much heat internally.
* Social thermoregulation: Naked mole rats live in large colonies with complex social structures. They huddle together for warmth, relying on the collective body heat of the group.
* Limited shivering: They have a limited ability to shiver, which is the main way most mammals raise their body temperature.
* Behavioral thermoregulation: They seek out warm microclimates and minimize heat loss through burrowing and huddling.
While not strictly ectothermic, these adaptations allow them to conserve energy and tolerate a wide range of environmental temperatures, making them unique among mammals.