Question

Which of the following is an important adaptation of animals too the cold climate?

• A. Thin layer of body fat
• B. Aestivation
• C. Increased tendency to shivering
• D. Reduced surface area to volume ratio

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Reduced surface area to volume ratio

Temperature affects the the absolute size of an animal and the relative proportions of various body parts, Birds and mammals attain grater body size in cold regions than in warm areas. But poikilotherms are smaller in cold region. This is Bargeman's rue. This is true because small animals have larger surface area relative to their volume, so if they are in cold, they lose their body heat very fast. In cold climate, reduced surface area to volume ratio is ideal. So, the correct answer is 'Reduced surface area to volume ratio'.