Chapter 3D Flashcards
What force is a primary problem on land?
The force of gravity.
What are the 4S’s that are used to combat gravity?
1.) Surface area to volume ratio
2.) Size
3.) Skeleton
4.) Stance
What is the difference between the SA:V of a small vs large organism?
A smaller organism has a larger SA:V than a larger organism.
How do metabolic rate and SA:V relate?
A high metabolic rate will demand a high SA:V.
What is a metabolic rate?
The amount of calories burned due to physical activity or at rest.
What does support depend on?
Area
What does mass depend on?
Volume
If the body and its limbs were scaled proportionally what would happen?
The abilit for the body to support the limbs would not exist.
What would happen if an ant were the size of an elephant?
Since the limbs of an ant were not designed to sustain the weight the organism would not be able to survive.
How does an organisms skeleton support the structure?
Since gravity is acting down on the organism its organs could be crushed as a result there are spines and ribcages to protect the soft interior of the organism.
Which organisms have a sprawling stance?
Smaller organisms
Which organisms have an erect stance?
Dinosaurs and mammals
Which organisms have a pillar-erect stance?
Reptiles
What is a stance?
The limbs are positioned to support the body weight.
What is the difference between the stances?
When the legs are closer together more energy is required to maintain that stance therefore smaller organisms that are weaker can maintain a stance where the legs are further apart.
