vvK.C.S.E Biology Q & A - MODEL 2018PP1QN27

K.C.S.E Biology Q & A - MODEL 2018PP1QN27

Below is a graphical representation of how basal metabolic rates compare in Various animals.

​From the graph, explain why the mouse has a higher breathing rate than the elephant.

answers

•  Mouse is active/has a large surface area to volume ratio; hence has a higher metabolic rate (rate of breathing) to cope with the rate at which energy (oxygen) is consumed or lost to the environment; an elephant is less active/has a small surface area to volume ratio hence has a lower rate at which energy (oxygen) is used or lost; or 
• Mouse is small in size/has large surface area to volume ratio; hence has a metabolic rate (rate of breathing) to cope with the rate at which oxygen is consumed/energy ¡s lost to the environment; an elephant is large in size/has small surface area to volume ratio; hence has a lower rate at which oxygen/energy is lost;