A researcher is setting up an experiment to measure basal metabolic rate in prairie voles a small mouse- like mammal). Which of the following would be the best set of conditions for the voles immediately before and during the measurement?
A) House in a cage with plenty of food and water to avoid stress; conduct measurements in a room the same temperature as the room where housed.
B) House in a cage with plenty of food and water to avoid stress; conduct measurements in a warmer room than the room where housed.
C) House in a cage with no food for a few hours before measurement; conduct measurements in a colder room than the room where housed, and exercise the voles.
D) House in a cage with no food for a few hours before measurement; conduct measurements in a room the same temperature as the room where housed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Basal metabolic rate is the rate of energy expenditure at rest. To get an accurate measurement, the voles should not be stressed and should be in a relaxed state. House them with plenty of food and water to avoid stress and measure their BMR in a room that is the same temperature as where they were housed to avoid any temperature stress. The voles should also be fasted for a few hours before the measurement to ensure that their digestive processes do not affect the BMR. Therefore, Option D is the best choice.

A Researcher Is Setting Up an Experiment to Measure Basal