Organisms Limits
All plants and animals are adapted to survive between a minimum and maximum range of temperature. The earth’s surface has different temperatures in different zones and while some animals and plants can bear extreme heat or extreme cold, some survive well in moderate temperature ranges. There are animals whose body temperature fluctuates in different seasonal conditions. These are animals like fishes and frogs that are called poikilothermal or cold blooded animals. Others are those animals and mammals who can regulate their body temperature according to the outside temperature. These are known as homeothermal or warm blooded animals.
Organisms usually survive within limits. When these limits are passed then the organism can face serious problems. These problems include a significant decrease in growth rate. The image to the right represents the effects of growth of marine fish (Cheilodactylus spectabilis) in the Tasman Sea. Showing as the temperature increased then there is a large decrease to the point where the growth rate is zero.
Organisms usually survive within limits. When these limits are passed then the organism can face serious problems. These problems include a significant decrease in growth rate. The image to the right represents the effects of growth of marine fish (Cheilodactylus spectabilis) in the Tasman Sea. Showing as the temperature increased then there is a large decrease to the point where the growth rate is zero.
Links below to sub pages containing further information