Final answer:
The generation time at optimal temperature tends to decrease in prokaryotes like bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generation time refers to the time it takes for a population to double through one round of binary fission. In prokaryotes like bacteria, the generation time is also known as the doubling time. The generation time can vary depending on the organism's growth conditions and temperature.
For example, the bacterium Escherichia coli can double in as little as 20 minutes under optimal conditions, while other bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis may have longer generation times.
When it comes to the generation time at optimal temperature, it usually decreases. Prokaryotes tend to grow more rapidly at their optimal temperature, resulting in shorter generation times. This is because optimal temperature provides favorable conditions for metabolic activity and replication. As the temperature deviates from the optimal range, the generation time may increase, and growth rates may decrease.