Final answer:
Laboratory rats generally consume about 5-10% of their body weight in food per day, which translates to 5-10 grams per 100 grams of body weight. The closest estimate provided in the question is option b) 8-10 grams.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the average food consumption of a laboratory rat relative to its body weight. While the provided information does not directly state the exact amount of food a rat consumes per 100 grams of body weight, extrapolation from metabolic rates measured in laboratory settings can help us infer that the accurate answer lies beyond the lowest range provided in the options.
Laboratory rats, due to their high metabolic rates compared to larger mammals, require a substantial amount of food relative to their body weight to maintain energy levels. Considering this and similar biological studies, a laboratory rat on average consumes approximately 5-10% of its body weight in food every day. This translates to 5-10 grams of food per 100 grams of body weight per day. Therefore, option b) 8-10 grams is the closest estimate to the factual consumption rate.