In a cool 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 kilogram of body mass than does the endotherm
C) invests little energy in temperature regulation
D) has greater insulation on its body surface

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ectotherms rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature, which means they do not need to expend as much energy on maintaining their body temperature as endotherms do. This lower energy expenditure for temperature regulation allows them to survive longer periods without food.

In a Cool Environment, an Ectotherm Is More Likely to Survive