Question

Suppose that you compare the amount of food needed by four groups of lizards, each of which has a metabolic rate that is expected for its body size. There are 10 lizards weighing 10 g each, 5 lizards weighing 20 g each, 2 lizards weighing 50 g each, and a single 100-g lizard. Assuming equal digestibility, similar food, and so on, the _______ lizards need the most food.

A. 10-g
B. 20-g
C. 50-g
D. 100-g
E. All of the above need the same amount of food.

Answer 1

The _10 gr__ lizards need the most food.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metabolic rate: Refers to the energy used by the organism during a period of time. Small animals have higher metabolic rates than big animals to maintain energy levels. In general, small animals are more active than big animals. The amount of food needed by the animal to keep energy and body mass depends on the individual´s metabolic rate.

If small animals have a higher metabolic rate than big animals, then they need more food to maintain their energy levels. The relationship size-metabolic rate can be applied to different species -such a mouse and an elephant-or to the same species -like the one of the exposed example-.

So, in comparison, and considering their body sizes, 10 g lizards have the highest metabolic rate, meaning that they need the most food -again, considering their sizes- to keep energy and body mass constant.