Thermal tolerance refers to the ability of an organism to withstand changes in temperature without suffering harm. This concept is crucial for understanding how species adapt to their environments, especially in the face of climate change. Different organisms have varying levels of thermal tolerance, which can affect their survival, reproduction, and distribution. Factors influencing thermal tolerance include an organism's physiology, habitat, and evolutionary history. For example, fish living in extreme temperatures may develop specialized proteins that help them function effectively. Understanding thermal tolerance is essential for predicting how species will respond to rising global temperatures and habitat alterations.