Which of the following statements about the surface area available for gas exchange is true?
A) When standardized for body mass all organisms are approximately equal.
B) Internal partitioning of a lung reduces its volume and makes gas exchange less efficient.
C) The surface area is positively correlated with the level of metabolic activity.
D) Since active mammals have a higher respiration rate,the area available for gas exchange can be smaller than that of less active mammals with lower respiration rates.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The surface area available for gas exchange in organisms is positively correlated with their metabolic activity. This is because higher metabolic activity results in greater gas exchange needs, and so a larger surface area is required to meet those needs. None of the other statements are true - A is false as organisms vary widely in their gas exchange structures and mechanisms, B is false because internal partitioning (such as alveoli in mammals) actually increases the surface area available for gas exchange, and D is false because a higher respiratory rate results in a greater need for gas exchange, which in turn requires a larger surface area.

Which of the Following Statements About the Surface Area Available