Integrating Thermal Physiology and Ecology of Ectotherms: A Discussion of Approaches

An understanding of interactions between the thermal physiologyand ecology of ectotherms remains elusive, partly because informationon the relative performance of whole-animal physiological systemsat ecologically relevant body temperatures is limited. Afterdiscussing physiological systems that have direct links to ecology(e.g., growth, locomotor ability), we review analytical methodsof describing and comparing certain aspects of performance (includingoptimal temperature range, thermal performance breadth), applythese techniques in an example on the thermal sensitivity oflocomotion in frogs, and evaluate potential applications.