Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have made a fascinating discovery: a “universal thermal performance curve” (UTPC). This curve appears to affect all species and outlines how they respond to temperature changes. Essentially, it shows that every living thing is limited by how well it can function at different temperatures.
Recent research involved analyzing around 30,000 performance measurements from various organisms, ranging from bacteria to lizards. The findings reveal that as temperatures rise, most organisms see an increase in performance up to a certain point—known as the “optimum”. However, if temperatures continue to rise beyond this point, their performance drops sharply, potentially leading to serious consequences like physiological failure or even death.
Andrew Jackson, a zoology professor involved in the study, stated, “The shape of the performance curve is quite similar across many species. Different organisms may have varying optimal temperatures, but they all follow the same pattern.” For instance, while some bacteria thrive at 5°C, others may perform best at temperatures as high as 100°C.
This research suggests that species might be more constrained when it comes to adapting to climate change. As global temperatures rise, the risk of exceeding the critical performance thresholds increases.
The study involved over 2,500 thermal performance curves, illustrating that despite the vast diversity of life, the basic rules governing temperature performance are remarkably consistent. Dr. Nicholas Payne, the senior author, emphasized that this commonality indicates a fundamental limitation in how life on Earth adapts to thermal changes.
As we face the reality of climate change, understanding the UTPC offers insights into the challenges species may encounter as they try to survive in a warming world. The next steps for researchers include exploring if any species can break free from these constraints. Discovering such exceptions could provide exciting insights into the adaptability of life on Earth.
For more in-depth information, you can read the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences here.
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