Is it true that ectotherms have a body temperature which is the same as the ambient temperature?

Answer 1

Not necessarily. Ectotherms can take advantage of microclimates, physiological characteristics, and behavioral posturing to regulate body temperature so that it is higher or lower than general ambient temperature. One example of a physiological method would entail be the use of countercurrent exchange mechanisms and vascular shunting to regulate blood flow to maximize heat exchange between the ambient environment and the organism. Do some research online and i'm sure you can find examples :)

Answer 2

Ectotherms have limited ability to generate heat internally. Instead, they thermoregulate by finding a useful temperature, heating up or cooling off, then moving on. The bodily mass tends to hold the temp for at least a while.