Each species of fish has a temperature range in which it functions well. If the water gets too cold, the fish almost stops eating and just waits. This adaptation allows it to survive over winters unless the temperature gets too low or remains too low too long, in which case it dies. If the temperature gets too high, the fishes die. Fish are able to sense temperatures which are appropriate for them.
Life processes are chemical, and chemical reactions take place more rapidly as temperature rises.
Fishes and Adaptation Fishes are among the most ancient of earth's multicellular life forms. They have had hundreds of millions of years to adapt to living in aquatic communities. They have developed into many species. Fishes of many different sizes, body shapes, and colors inhabit the waters of our planet. All rights reserved.