Question

If the body size of an ectotherm with a semi-spherical body shape were to increase considerably, the surface area-to-volume ratio would _______, and the animal's ability to exchange heat with the environment would _______.

Answer 1

decrease

decrease.

Step-by-step explanation:

The larger the body volume of an organism, the higher the amount of internal heat generated.Likewise the higher the mass of the organism, the lower the surface area available to lose heat.

Thus the greater the surface area to volume ratio available to an organism in its environment, the larger the quantity of internal heat to be dissipated in proportion to its volume.

Development in ectotherm increases the body volume cavity at faster rate than the surface area, thus the ectotherm will have low surface area to volume ratio.Therefore the surface area available to dissipate heat to the surroundings decreases.

Thus the ectotherm, with decrease surface areas to volume ratio lose less heat , because of limited/ decreased surface area exposed to the surrounding due to increase body volume.

Answer 2

Answer: decrease, decrease