How Does Temperature Affect the Reproduction Rate of Isopods?

Overview

The purpose of this experiment is to understand how different temperatures in the environment affect the reproduction rate of isopods. This information is important because isopods are a huge factor in breaking down organic matter. Without them, the world will have scattered dead animals and waste. The hypothesis: If isopods are kept in warmer temperatures, then they will reproduce more quickly. Warmer temperatures (around 72–85°F) should help their metabolism work better, leading to faster growth and reproduction. This heat causes enzymes to speed up due to the increase in kinetic energy with heat. This means that enzymes work faster (up to a certain point) which also speeds up the rate of the chemical reactions leading to a quicker development of isopod larvae. The independent variable is the temperature in each enclosure, in fahrenheit. The dependent variable is the amount of offspring produced.The constants in this experiment include the amount of food given at each feeding, the size of the acrylic boxes, the size of the air holes for ventilation, the amount of humidity in each box, the heating pads used, and the brand of thermometer used. These all stayed the same for every temperature group to make the data accurate. The control is the temperature of the Porcellio laevis (Dairy Cows) in their natural environment or habitat (~74℉). A thermometer was used to measure temperature and a magnifying glass to count and spot the babies. On average the higher temperatures had more offsprings and quicker, supporting the results.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Zoology (Junior Division) · Entry J-20-05

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