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For many aquatic species, upper temperature limits are often not far above the prevailing environmental temperature ranges. Given the projected rise in temperatures from climate models, we hypothesize that many ectotherm species may be negatively affected through depressed respiration efficiencies and changes in their natural distribution patterns, and thus may be useful as sensitive 'ecological thermometers' to climate change.

The main goal of this project is to explore the natural temperature limitations at cell, organ and animal levels, assuming that mitochondrial function is crucial. Experiments on tropical, temperate and polar fishes over a range of temperatures are performed in order to determine metabolic rates and efficiency of respiration and heart function.

Fish species with similar mode of life, but from different partner countries will be chosen. We assume potential heart apoptosis from mitochondrial failure. This programme will explore whether mitochondrial function can limit species' geographic distributions and provide a powerful predictor of the impacts of climate change on biodiversity. Potential applications of the results will likely include aquaculture, clinical research and the private sector.