Dissecting cause from consequence: a systematic approach to thermal limits.

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Thermal limits are critical for ectotherm performance and distribution.
• Current understanding of thermal limits is debated, balancing lab and field data.
• Mechanisms setting thermal limits require reconciliation with adaptation research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a perspective on the divided understanding of ectotherm thermal limit mechanisms.
• To highlight differences between high and low temperature effects.
• To emphasize the role of animal form and environment in thermal constraints.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current research.
• Focus on fundamental differences between high and low temperature extremes.
• Analysis of how animal form and environmental factors influence thermal limits.

Main Results:

• Animal form and environmental complexity create barriers to understanding thermal limits.
• Distinct constraints exist for high versus low temperature extremes.
• Interactions across biological organization levels complicate mechanistic understanding.

Conclusions:

• Progress requires extensive collaboration and systematic approaches.
• Separating causes of physiological failure from consequences is crucial.
• Integrative models linking organ systems are needed for a holistic understanding of thermal challenges.