Question

reptiles, amphibians, and fish are all cold-blooded animals. their body temperatures are determined by their surroundings. how does a cold-blooded animal’s ability to digest food change in colder temperatures?
it digests food at the same rate regardless of the temperature.
it digests food more quickly at lower temperatures.
it digests food more slowly at lower temperatures.

Explanation:

Cold - blooded animals rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Digestive processes involve biochemical reactions (like enzyme - catalyzed reactions) that are temperature - dependent. Lower temperatures slow down these biochemical reactions. So, in colder temperatures, the rate of digestion in cold - blooded animals decreases. The first option is wrong as temperature affects digestion. The second option is wrong because lower temperatures don't speed up digestion. The third option is correct as lower temperatures slow down the digestive biochemical processes.

Answer:

It digests food more slowly at lower temperatures.