Question

What is an animal that relies on interaction with the environment to help it control body temperature known as?

Answer 1

An animal that relies on interaction with the environment is called an ectotherm.

Explanation:

Ectotherms have a very low metabolism. This low metabolism translates into a in a very low internal heat generation.

The low metabolism of an ectotherm affords these animals the ability to burn fewer calories and as such the amount time they spend scavenging for food is greatly reduced.

Examples
Reptiles and amphibians are good examples of ectotherms. Turtles, snakes and lizards use sunlight to warm themselves up as opposed to other animals like endotherms.