Surface area: Volume Ratio

Front

What is the relationship between surface area and volume as an organism increases in size?

Back

Volume increases faster than surface area

Front

Why is the surface area to volume ratio important for metabolism in organisms?

Back

It affects the rate at which metabolites are absorbed and wastes are excreted

Front

What happens to the surface area to volume ratio as an organism becomes larger?

Back

It decreases

Front

What is a consequence of a decreased surface area to volume ratio in larger organisms?

Back

Difficulty in absorbing enough nutrients and excreting wastes

Front

How do larger organisms typically adapt to overcome the limitations of a low surface area to volume ratio?

Back

By developing specialised structures to increase surface area

Front

Which of the following best illustrates the effect of increasing size on surface area to volume ratio using cubes?

Back

A cube with sides of 1 metre has a higher SA:Vol ratio than a cube with sides of 3 metres

Front

Why do larger animals require more complex systems for the exchange of materials?

Back

Because diffusion alone is insufficient to meet metabolic demands

Front

What happens to the metabolic needs of an organism as its volume increases?

Back

The need for metabolites increases

Front

What is the main function of the surface of an organism’s body in relation to metabolism?

Back

It acts as an interface for exchange with the environment

Front

Which adaptation would you expect to find in a large animal to facilitate exchange of gases?

Back

Highly folded lungs or gills