Respiration Difference in Male and Female Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches at Varying Temperatures

Abstract

Our hypothesis was that when male and female Madagascar hissing cockroaches are subjected to higher temperatures, their rate of cellular respiration increases, with males having an overall higher rate of respiration. We conducted two trials, one with males and females at room temperature, and one with males and females at a higher temperature (33C). We recorded the percent change of O2 at minute intervals. From the results we gathered, at higher temperatures, the respiration rate of male and female cockroaches decreased. Males did have a higher rate of respiration than females at room temperature, however, both respiration rates were the same at increased temperatures.