Final answer:
The statement is False; BMR decreases with lower caloric intake to conserve energy. Larger animals generally have higher BMR, but smaller animals have higher BMR relative to their body weight. A low energy intake can cause the body to reduce BMR to conserve energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "When caloric intake is lower than the amount needed to maintain normal function, RMR increases" is False. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the rate at which your body uses energy at rest to maintain vital functions like breathing and keeping warm. When caloric intake is lower than needed, such as during a diet, the body often decreases your BMR to conserve energy.
Caloric intake and energy expenditure are vital in weight management and overall health. BMR can be affected by a variety of factors, including body size. Generally, larger animals have higher BMR because they require more energy to maintain their size, but when considered in relation to body weight, smaller animals have a relatively higher BMR due to a greater surface area-to-mass ratio.
However, during periods of low energy intake, such as starvation or dieting, the body may respond by lowering the BMR to avoid using its fat stores as an energy source too quickly. This adaptive response means that people might feel colder and less energetic as their BMR decreases in response to reduced caloric intake. Furthermore, increased physical activity can help raise BMR and promote weight loss.