In a cold environment that supports life, 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 kilogram of body mass than does the endotherm.
C) invests little energy in temperature regulation.
D) metabolizes its stored energy more readily than does the endotherm.
E) has greater insulation on its body surface.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ectotherms have lower metabolic rates and invest little energy in temperature regulation, which makes them more energy efficient. This allows them to survive for longer periods of time without food compared to endotherms, which have higher metabolic rates and expend more energy to maintain their body temperature.

In a Cold Environment That Supports Life, an Ectotherm Is