What is a factor that can affect body temperature?

Metabolic heat production is a key factor that affects body temperature because it relates directly to the body's energy expenditure and metabolic processes. When the body engages in activities such as exercise, the metabolic rate increases, leading to the production of more heat as a byproduct. This heat must be managed by the body to maintain a stable internal temperature, which is vital for optimal physiological function. Factors that influence metabolic heat production include the intensity and duration of physical activity. As exercise intensity increases, so does the metabolic heat generated, which can significantly raise body temperature.

Other aspects, such as exercise intensity and height, may also affect body temperature indirectly, but metabolic heat production is the most direct and significant factor. Height does not typically play a role in temperature regulation, and while skin color can affect thermoregulation, it does not have as direct an impact on body temperature as metabolic heat production does.