Growth rate

Within high and low temperature limits, growth rate increases with temperature to an optimum, then decreases sharply near the upper limit. Development of insects and growth of plants may be switched to a state of diapause or dormancy at unsuitably high or low temperatures to minimise damage to the organisms.

Birth rate

The birth rate of some insects and plants is affected by temperature in a similar pattern to effects on growth rate.

Mortality rate

Mortality rates are high at temperatures near the upper limit for growth and, for some organisms, in frosts or freezing temperatures.

Behaviour

Key behaviours of insects, such as flight, mating and feeding are temperature limited. The lower temperature thresholds for these behaviours may be much higher than the limits for growth and development.

[ Next ]