In a survivably cold environment, an ectotherm is more likely to survive an extended period of food deprivation than would an equally sized endotherm because the ectotherm
A) maintains a higher basal metabolic rate.
B) expends more energy per kg of body mass than does the endotherm.
C) invests little energy in temperature regulation.
D) metabolizes its stored energy more readily than can the endotherm.
E) has greater insulation on its body surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ectotherms have a lower metabolic rate and invest less energy in temperature regulation, meaning they require less energy to survive. This allows them to survive longer periods of food deprivation in a survivably cold environment compared to an endotherm.

In a Survivably Cold Environment, an Ectotherm Is More Likely