The Effect of Different Temperatures on the Respiration Rates of Superworms

Abstract

Our study was about the CO₂ production of Zophobos Morio, also known as superworms, at various temperatures. We conducted several experiments to determine whether the warmer and colder temperatures would increase or decrease the CO₂ produced. These factors were tested by placing two superworms in a 250-mL container at room temperature, seven degrees above room temperature, and seven degrees below the room temperature. We monitored the CO₂ production over a three minute period and found that the production in room and warm temperatures was approximately the same, whereas the production in the cold temperature was significantly higher. We hypothesized that the CO₂ production would increase in higher temperatures and decrease in lower temperatures. However, based on our results, there was really no correlation between the temperature and the respiration rate in superworms.