Topic 3.1 - SA to Vol ratio

Question 1

What usually happens to the surface area to volume ratio as the size of an organism increases?

Answer 1

As the size of an organism increases the SA:V of the organism decreases

Question 2

What usually happens to the rate of heat loss of organisms as the surface area to volume ratio increases?

Answer 2

The rate of heat loss increases

Question 3

What usually happens to the rate of respiration (metabolic rate) as the surface area to volume ratio of a mammal increases?

Answer 3

The rate of respiration increases to maintain body temperature

Question 4

What usually happens to the uptake of oxygen as the surface area to volume ratio of an organism increases? Why?

Answer 4

The rate of uptake of oxygen increases because respiration is occurring at a higher rate