The influence and effect of temperature on living entities are in several ways. It has a role in morphology, cells, physiology, growth, behaviour, distribution of animals and plants, development and related aspects. Hence, the temperature is one of the limiting factors which can determine the presence of life on Earth.
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Why is temperature so influential in living entities?
Living entities are influenced by their ambient temperature. The surrounding temperature has an impact on living entities. The enzymatic activity is directly influenced by the temperature, they are sensitive to this factor. Most of the metabolic activities of animals, plants and even microbes are controlled by different types of enzymes. Enzymes have an optimal range of temperature in which they function. These enzymes are under the influence of temperature as a result, an increase in the temperature to some extent induces increased enzymatic activity which results in an increase in the rate of metabolism.
The maximum and minimum temperatures have a harmful effect on the cells and their components. The cell proteins could be destroyed if the condition is freezing or water is lost and electrolytes get concentrated in the cells.
Also, in the event that temperature is not optimum, enzymes can get denatured if extremely high or if too cold, which prevents enzymes from functioning. Hence, it can hinder the normal, day to day activities, biological processes of living entities.
The chemical reaction which takes place in cells occurs only in a comparatively lower range of temperatures as a result of the sensitivity of enzymes. This is because important enzymes denature at a narrow range of temperature. This decreases the ability of enzymes to function.
Different Types of Living Entities Based on Temperature Tolerance
Organisms can be of the following types based on the tolerance of temperature –
Stenothermal entities – such entities can withstand a narrow range of temperature. These are the types of animals that can live only at some temperature or in a narrow range of temperature. The temperature to which such animals adapt vary from one to another species. For instance – Python, Penguin, and Crocodiles.
Eurythermal entities – such entities can withstand a wide range of temperatures. For instance – dog, tiger, cat
Thermophilic entities – these entities can survive at comparatively higher temperatures, typically not less than 20℃. For example – some species of insects, reef corals etc.
Cryophilic entities – these entities can survive at lower temperatures only. At times it can go as low as 0℃. For instance – salmon, some species of seals, arctic crustaceans.
Extremophiles – Some of the living entities have a high level of tolerance for extreme temperatures. Such species occupy habitats that have extreme conditions. These are referred to as extremophiles.
Example – Thermophilic bacteria can survive in sulphur volcanic hot springs.
Behaviour of Endotherms To Temperature
Entities that regulate the internal temperature of the body are limited to –
- Living in regions where the ambient temperature is in the range of temperature above which enzymes function
- Being active at times when the ambient temperature is near the optimum temperature of its enzymes
Behaviour of Ectotherms To Temperature
Ectotherms are species that do not regulate their body temperature at constant levels. Several ectothermic animals have a restricted capability to cope with a range of environmental temperatures, which is a result of it changing its body temperature utilizing solar energy.
Such animals absorb sunlight, which causes them to utilize heat to increase the temperature on their outer surface. This temperature then raises their temperature within, thereby causing them to conduct metabolic processes. In several species, their dark colour helps facilitate the absorption of heat. During hot periods, such animals move to shade in order to prevent overheating.
As a result of such animals altering their metabolism with the ambient temperature, they can survive in a wide range of temperatures. But, it remains inactive when it is out of its optimal temperature.
What is the temperature tolerance range?
It is the range of temperature in which the species can survive. It is their tolerance range for temperature and is typically only some degrees outside the range at which an entity is comfortable and favourable to them.
This was a brief on the effect of temperature on entities. Explore more NEET concepts, at BYJU’S.
See also:
| Autotrophic bacteria |
| Living world |
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