Biology and You

You and Your Body

What are certain organisms’ normal body temperatures?

Normal body temperature is the acceptable temperature for an animal—whether human or not. The following chart lists normal body temperatures for a variety of organisms—both ectotherms (can raise and maintain a steady body temperature) and endotherms (can raise but not maintain a steady body temperature)—including humans:

Animal

Normal Temperature °F

Normal Temperature °C

Human (endotherm)

  98.6

37

Cat (endotherm)

101.5

38.5

Dog (endotherm)

102

38.9

Cow (endotherm)

101

38.3

Mare (endotherm)

100

37.8

Pig (endotherm)

102.5

39.2

Goat (endotherm)

102.3

39.1

Rabbit (endotherm)

103.1

39.5

Sheep (endotherm)

102.3

39.1

Pigeon (endotherm)

106.6

41

Lizard (ectotherm)

  87.8–95

31–35

Salmon (ectotherm)

  41–62.6

  5–17

Rainbow trout (ectotherm)

  53.6–64.4

12–18

Rattlesnake(ectotherm)

  59–98.6

15–37

Grasshopper(ectotherm)

101.5–108

38.6–42.2