What process refers to the production of heat in living organisms?

Thermogenesis is the process that specifically refers to the production of heat in living organisms. This heat production can occur through various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of food for energy and the activation of brown adipose tissue, which generates heat as a byproduct. Animals use thermogenesis to maintain their body temperature, especially in cold environments, which is critical for sustaining metabolic functions.

In contrast, thermolysis refers to the breakdown of heat or the loss of heat from the body, often leading to cooling rather than heat production. Hyperthermia describes a condition where the body temperature rises above normal levels, typically due to external factors or excessive heat production, but it does not denote the process of generating heat. Homeostasis refers to the overall regulatory processes that maintain a stable internal environment in response to external changes, which includes regulating body temperature but does not exclusively signify the production of heat itself.