Changes in Respiration Rates in Madagascar Cockroaches and Mice at Different Temperatures

Abstract

*Because endotherms and ectotherms use markedly different processes for thermoregulation, we hypothesized that the respiration rates of mice and cockroaches would react differently when exposed to extreme temperatures. For our experiment we placed mice and cockroaches in chambers with “hot”, “neutral” (or room temperature), and “cold” environments. We then measured CO₂ levels over time and used this to find a rate. When analyzed we found that mice breathing rates increased with cold and decreased with heat. This supported our hypothesis. For cockroaches on the other hand we found that respiration rate had no apparent trends and seemed to be independent of temperature.