💙 3.3.1 Surface Area To Volume Ratio

Question 1

What is the relationship between the size of an organism and its surface area to volume ratio?

Answer 1

As the size of an organism increases, it surface area to volume ratio decreases.

Question 2

What are some problems with growth of unicellular organisms?

Answer 2

1) a large size will have a relatively small surface area to volume ratio which means there is relatively little surface area for exchange of substances in order to keep the organism alive

2) the length of the diffusion pathway is too long for all parts of the organism to be maintained successfully

Question 3

What are some things organisms can do to become larger?

Answer 3

1) become multicellular
2) change shape to increase surface area
3) develop mass transport systems, for example the circulatory system

Question 4

Why is heat loss a problem in small organisms?

Answer 4

It is a problem due to them having a large surface area to volume ratio therefore he is lost quicker especially if they are in a cold environment

Question 6

How can the problem of heat must be mitigated?

Answer 6

By having a high metabolic or respiratory rate and other adaptations.