True or False: Ectotherms can regulate their body temperature independently.

Ectotherms, also known as cold-blooded animals, cannot regulate their body temperature internally. Instead, they rely on external environmental conditions to heat or cool their bodies. This means that their metabolic rate and body temperature are directly influenced by their surroundings, such as the temperature of the air or water. Ectotherms may seek out warmer areas when they need to heat up or cooler areas when they need to cool down, but they do not have physiological mechanisms to maintain a constant internal temperature like endotherms (warm-blooded animals) do.

The assertion that ectotherms can regulate their body temperature independently is not accurate, as their ability to function optimally is heavily dependent on the external temperature. Thus, the correct answer reflects the understanding that ectotherms lack the capability for independent thermoregulation.