Final answer:
Smaller individuals might be preferred for space station work due to their ability to maximize the use of confined space, conserve resources, require less energy, and their reduced mass may benefit logistics and transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason smaller, wiry people might be preferred for space station work could be related to various practical and biological considerations. In biology, we learn that individuals that are small in size can be at an advantage in certain situations. Smaller birds, for instance, are more agile and can perch higher above predators.
In the context of space stations, smaller individuals may be favored due to limited space and the need for efficiency in an environment where resources are scarce. Just as in nature, where smaller birds might have an edge over larger ones due to their ability to escape predators and efficiently use their environment, smaller humans could potentially maximize the use of confined space and conserve resources on a space station.
Another aspect is the energy expenditure; smaller bodies require less energy and produce less waste, which is an important consideration for long-term missions in space. Moreover, the reduced mass of smaller individuals can also be beneficial in terms of fuel and supply requirements for transport to and from the Earth.