The Impact of Heat on the Metabolic Rates of Zophobas morio

Abstract

Zophobas morio, “Super Worms” are ectotherms, meaning that they obtain heat from an outside source, as they lack the internal mechanisms to maintain body temperature. Our hypothesis is that respiration rates of Zophobas morio will decrease as temperature increases because of the process of cellular respiration, where oxygen is consumed to maintain metabolic rates. This experiment was conducted to better understand the correlation between temperature and metabolic rates and the processes of cellular respiration in Zophobas morio. Every condition underwent three trials each to replicate our data, consisting of four conditions at 24 (control), 26, 28, and 30 °C, which equate to a total of twelve trails. Our results, while consistent, did not support our hypothesis. Our data showed that as temperatures rose and time continued, levels of oxygen increased. These results contradict the scientific theory of cellular respiration, where oxygen is consumed, forcing us to explore additional explanations.