Independent of whether an organism is an endotherm or ectoderm, the least reliable indicator of an animal's metabolic rate is the amount of ________.
A) food eaten in one day
B) heat generated in one day
C) oxygen used in mitochondria in one day
D) water consumed in one day

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The amount of water consumed in one day is not a direct indicator of an animal's metabolic rate. While water is necessary for many metabolic processes, factors such as external temperature, activity level, and diet also contribute to an animal's hydration needs. Therefore, the amount of water consumed alone cannot reliably indicate an animal's metabolic rate. The amount of food eaten, heat generated, or oxygen used in mitochondria, on the other hand, are all more directly related to an animal's metabolic rate.

Independent of Whether an Organism Is an Endotherm or Ectoderm