Question

Small mammals are not found in polar region because
A. they have small surface to volume ratio.
B. they have large surface to volume ratio.
C. they cannot make burrows because of ice cover.
D. of scarcity of food

Answer 1

Heat loss or heat gain is a function of surface area. Since small animals have large surface area relative to their volume, they tend to loose body heat very fast when it is cold outside. Then they have to expend much energy to generate body heat through metabolism.



Very small animals have large surface area with respect to volume, So there is more chance of heat loss, hence they are rarely found in polar region.



B is the correct answer.