As temperature decreases, what happens to the metabolic rates of organisms?

As temperature decreases, the metabolic rates of organisms typically decrease. This phenomenon is largely due to the fact that metabolic processes are largely influenced by temperature. Most biochemical reactions, including those associated with metabolism, occur at a rate that is dependent on the kinetic energy of the molecules involved.

When the temperature drops, the kinetic energy of the molecules also decreases, leading to slower reaction rates. This reduced metabolic activity can affect various physiological processes within organisms, including growth, reproduction, and the overall energy expenditure of the organism.

In ectothermic animals, which rely on external environmental temperatures to regulate their body heat, a drop in temperature can significantly slow their metabolic processes. Consequently, many organisms may enter a state of dormancy or reduced activity during colder periods to conserve energy.

In contrast, a higher temperature generally increases metabolic rates, while the rate remains stable within a certain range of temperatures before potentially causing denaturation of enzymes at extreme levels. Thus, the response of metabolic rates to temperature is a fundamental concept in understanding how organisms adapt to their environments.