Data from: Habitat, latitude, and body mass influence the temperature dependence of metabolic rate

The sensitivity of metabolic rate to temperature constrains the climate in
which ectotherms can function, yet the temperature dependence of metabolic
rate may evolve in response to biotic and abiotic factors. We compiled a
dataset on the temperature dependence of metabolic rate for heterotrophic
ectotherms from studies that show a peak in metabolic rate at an optimal
temperature (i.e., that describe the thermal performance curve for
metabolic rate). We found that peak metabolic rates were lower in aquatic
than terrestrial habitats and increased with body mass, latitude, and the
optimal temperature. In addition, the optimal temperature decreased with
latitude. These results support competing hypotheses about metabolic rate
adaptation, with hotter being better in the tropics but colder being
better toward the poles. Moreover, our results suggest that the
temperature dependence of metabolic rate is more complex than previously
suggested.