Chapter 7: Problem 9

How does the size and shape of an animal's body influence its ability to exchange heat with the surrounding environment?

Short Answer

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Answer: The size and shape of an animal's body impact its ability to exchange heat with the environment through the surface area to volume ratio and thermal conductivity. A higher surface area to volume ratio allows for more efficient heat exchange, while more compact shapes help conserve heat. Evolutionary adaptations, such as the shortened appendages and round bodies of polar bears or the long and slender bodies of African elephants, have evolved in response to different environmental conditions to optimize heat exchange.

Step by step solution

1. Understanding the concept of surface area to volume ratio

A fundamental aspect in understanding the effect of size and shape on an animal's ability to exchange heat with its environment is to study surface area to volume ratio. The surface area to volume ratio reflects the amount of surface area per unit of volume. In general, smaller animals have a higher surface area to volume ratio and larger animals have a lower surface area to volume ratio, which significantly impacts thermal conductivity.

2. Surface area to volume ratio and thermal conductivity

Thermal conductivity is the property of a material to conduct heat. It influences how quickly an animal can exchange heat with the surrounding environment. Animals with a higher surface area to volume ratio will have a higher thermal conductivity, allowing them to exchange heat more efficiently. On the other hand, animals with a lower surface area to volume ratio will have a lower thermal conductivity, meaning they exchange heat less efficiently.

3. Shape and heat exchange

The shape of an animal's body also plays a significant role in its ability to exchange heat with the environment. Shapes with larger surface areas relative to their volume (e.g., flat and elongated shapes) facilitate heat exchange, while animals with a more compact shape (e.g., spherical) have a smaller surface area relative to their volume, decreasing their heat exchange ability.

4. Evolutionary adaptations

The size and shape of an animal's body can be influenced by evolutionary adaptations based on their environment. For instance, animals living in colder environments have evolved to have a smaller surface area to volume ratio and compact shapes, which helps them conserve heat. Examples of such adaptations are the shortened appendages and round bodies of polar bears or Arctic foxes. Conversely, animals living in warmer environments, such as the long and slender bodies of the African elephant, have evolved with larger surface areas relative to their volume to help them dissipate heat.

5. Conclusion

In summary, the size and shape of an animal's body have a significant influence on its ability to exchange heat with the surrounding environment. A higher surface area to volume ratio allows for more efficient heat exchange, while more compact shapes help conserve heat. These factors, along with evolutionary adaptations, determine how well an animal can cope with its environmental conditions.

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How does the size and shape of an animal's body influence its ability to exchange heat with the surrounding environment?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

1. Understanding the concept of surface area to volume ratio

2. Surface area to volume ratio and thermal conductivity

3. Shape and heat exchange

4. Evolutionary adaptations

5. Conclusion

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