Final answer:
The greater the surface area of the skin, the higher the basal metabolic rate (BMR
Step-by-step explanation:
In general, the greater the surface area of the skin, the higher the basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is because BMR increases with body size, as larger animals require more energy to maintain their size. However, it's also because smaller animals often have a relatively higher BMR per body weight due to their greater surface area in relation to their mass.
For example, tall, thin people have higher BMRs compared to shorter persons of the same weight. Factors like body weight and body fat percentage also play significant roles; heavier weight and lower body fat percentage are associated with higher BMR values.
Body surface area is a critical component of BMR, reflecting the relationship between height and weight. When comparing individuals, a taller person will generally have a higher BMR than a shorter person of the same weight, due to the larger surface area from which heat can be lost. This can lead to different dietary requirements and weight gain/loss patterns between individuals with different body compositions.