Final answer:
The claim that RMR increases when caloric intake is below what is needed to maintain normal function is FALSE; instead, the body decreases its metabolic rate 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. The basal metabolic rate (BMR), closely related to the resting metabolic rate (RMR), adjusts in response to long-term changes in energy intake. When the body experiences lower caloric intake over a period of time, it adapts by decreasing the metabolic rate to conserve energy rather than maintaining or increasing it.
This is particularly relevant in the context of dieting, where the body adjusts to lower energy input by reducing energy expenditure to prevent further weight loss. For example, if someone is on a calorie-restricted diet, their BMR may increase to ensure that their body is still able to function properly. This increase in BMR helps the body conserve energy and make the most of the available calories.