Global Worming: How warmer temperatures affect the metabolic rate of the Tenebrio molitor larva.

Abstract

Our experiment was conducted to answer the question, does the metabolic rate of mealworms rise as the surrounding temperature rises. We hypothesized that since the mealworm is an ectotherm, its metabolic rate will increase as the temperature increases.  We used a bio chamber to measure their metabolic rate by recording the CO₂ output during room temperature and during a warmer climate. Our trials showed that as the average temperature increased so did the output of CO₂. This leads to a correlation that supports our hypothesis and the ectothermic behavior of mealworms. Further testing should be done to conclude whether size plays a significant role in correlation with environmental temperature.