Question

The volume and surface area of a deer is 1,50,000 $c{m}^3$ and 19,000 $c{m}^2$ , and of a squirrel is 625 $c{m}^3$ and 530 $c{m}^2$. The area available for heat loss per $c{m}^3$ volume of the squirrel will be approximately

• A. Seven times more than the deer
• B. Five times less than the deer
• C. Three times more than the deer
• D. Eleven times more than the deer

Answer 1

The correct option is A Seven times more than the deer

Bergmann's rule is one of the common rules which explains the differentiation in animals living in varied latitudes. The rule defines that the organisms which are homeotherms have the ability to increase their size and body mass when the latitude is high and the temperature is low. This is a pattern observed due to geographical distribution. This type of modification reduces the surface area to volume ratio. This decrease helps in decreasing the amount of heat loss from the body of warm-blooded animals. Deer is an animal found in forests and grasslands. The volume and surface area of a deer is more when compared to the squirrel. Thus, the deer demands warmer climate and the squirrel for a cooler climate. So, the area available for heat loss in squirrel will be seven times more when compared to the deer.

Therefore, the correct answer is option A.