Final answer:
The claim that the resting level of oxygen consumption is referred to as 1.0 MET is true. 1.0 MET signifies the energy use at rest, equivalent to the basal metabolic rate. This metric is essential for comparing the energy costs of different activities relative to the resting rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the resting level of oxygen consumption is referred to as 1.0 MET is true. MET stands for Metabolic Equivalent of Task, and 1.0 MET represents the rate of energy expenditure while at rest, which is equivalent to the basal metabolic rate (BMR). The BMR is the rate at which the body uses energy to maintain vital functions such as heart rate and respiration when at complete rest, typically after 10-12 hours without a meal and in a comfortable environment. This baseline is crucial for understanding the energy consumption during various activities, as relative MET values express the energy cost of activities as multiples of the resting rate.
Since energy consumption is directly proportional to oxygen consumption, measuring the latter gives us a quantifiable metric for different levels of exertion. For example, an activity that is 5 METs requires five times as much energy as the resting level. This knowledge can also indicate a person's athletic conditioning or highlight certain medical conditions and is essential for understanding the overall energy dynamics of human physiology, especially during physical activities or exercise.