CO2 Output of Mice at Varied Ambient Temperatures

Abstract

Many endotherms have metabolisms that allow them to thermoregulate in order to be more efficient with their energy. Although there are various factors that go into a mouse’s metabolic rates, one of the largest factors is the temperature of their environment. The goal of metabolism is to maintain a thermal neutral zone, which among endotherms is room temperature (average of 23.07 º C). Mice (Mus musculus), due to their commonality, can adapt well to their changing environments. This is due to their flexibility in metabolic rate. Within a hotter environment (average of27.714 º C), the mice tested displayed a lower CO₂ output rate. Similarly, the CO₂ rate proved to be higher in a colder environment (average 14.592 ºC) as well.  Their metabolic rates were lowest at their thermal neutral zone because their respiration rates were also low. Our data supports any previous predictions about the relationship between endotherms, metabolic rate, and respiration rates.