Chapter 30.1, Problem 2MI

Summary Introduction

To define:

The given term “metabolic rate” using a book or a dictionary

Introduction: In addition to having hair and mammary glands, mammals have other characteristics such as a high metabolic rate, specialized teeth and digestive systems, a diaphragm, a four chambered heart and a highly developed brain.

Answer to Problem 2MI

The rate at which all chemical reactions occur that occur within an organism take place is called metabolic rate.

Explanation of Solution

Chemical reactions that occur within an organism take place at a particular speed. This is called metabolic rate.

Mammals have high metabolic rate in comparison to their body mass due to which small animals must eat constantly in order to fuel their metabolisms.

Mammals are endotherms as they produce their body heat internally. The source of body heat is internal, that is heat is produced as a result of high metabolic rate. Maintaining an endothermic metabolism requires large amount of energy. Mammals get this energy from breakdown of food. Much of this energy is used to maintain a constant body temperature.