The Relationship between Surface Area: Volume Ratio & Metabolic Rate

Question 1

The metabolic rate of an organism is the …….

Answer 1

amount of energy expended by that organism within a given period of time

Question 2

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the

Answer 2

The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the metabolic rate of an organism when at rest

The BMR is significantly lower than when an organism is actively moving

Question 3

During periods of rest, the body of an organism only requires energy for the functioning

Answer 3

vital organs such as the lungs, heart and brain

Question 4

The metabolic rate of an organism can be measured/estimate using different methods:

Answer 4

Oxygen consumption

Carbon dioxide production

Heat production

Question 5

Experiments conducted by scientists have shown that the greater the mass of an organism, the ………………. the metabolic rate

Answer 5

higher

Therefore, a single rhino consumes more oxygen within a given period of time compared to a single mouse

Question 6

Although metabolic rate increases with body mass the BMR per unit of body mass is …………………. in smaller animals than in larger animals

Answer 6

higher

Question 7

Smaller animals have a greater SA:V ratio so they……….. heat, meaning they have to use up more energy to …………………..

Answer 7

lose more

maintain their body temperature

Question 8

Different apparatus can be used for investigating metabolic rates in organisms:

Answer 8

Respirometers

Oxygen/carbon dioxide probes

Calorimeters

Question 9

Plants have much lower metabolic rates than animals as they do not

Answer 9

move around their habitat and don’t have to maintain a high body temperature.