Describe the effect of temperature on animals.

Explanation

Effect of Temperature.
1. Temperature affects the enzyme kinetics and hence the physiological functions-animals have developed tolerance over a wide range of temperatures (eurythermal) or only for a narrow range of temperatures (stenothermal).
2. The levels of their thermal tolerance determine their geographical distribution.
3. Temperature effects rate of growth. It increases with increase in temperature upto an optimum, beyond which it declines.
4. Maturation of gonads and formation of gametes are controlled by temperature.
5. Sex Ratio. Dolphins produce only females at normal temperature and produces both males and females at higher temperature.
6. Animals have darker skin in warm and humid areas, lighter skin in arid cool areas (Glogger.s rule).