SA:volume ratio

• Why is the surface area to volume ratio important in biology?

  It affects efficiency of exchange surfaces
• What are the adaptations for efficient transport across exchange surfaces?

  • Increased surface area
  • Thin membranes for short diffusion distance
  • Specialized structures for specific functions
• What is the formula to calculate the surface area of a cube?

  Surface area = 6 × side²
• If a cube has a side length of $1 \text{ cm}$, what is its surface area?


  6 cm²
• What is the volume of a cube with a side length of $1 \text{ cm}$?


  1 cm³
• How do you calculate the surface area to volume ratio?

  Divide surface area by volume
• What is the surface area to volume ratio of a cube with side length $1 \text{ cm}$?


  6
• What happens to the surface area to volume ratio when the size of a cube doubles?

  It decreases
• What is the surface area of a cube with side length $2 \text{ cm}$?


  24 cm²
• What is the volume of a cube with side length $2 \text{ cm}$?


  8 cm³
• What is the surface area to volume ratio of a cube with side length $2 \text{ cm}$?


  3
• What trend is observed in surface area to volume ratios as organisms increase in size?

  Larger organisms have smaller ratios
• Why do larger organisms need adaptations for gas exchange?

  They have smaller surface area to volume ratios
• What are some adaptations larger organisms have for gas exchange?

  • Increased surface area structures
  • Specialized organs (e.g., lungs, gills)
  • Efficient transport systems (e.g., circulatory system)
• What is the role of villi and microvilli in the digestive system?

  Increase surface area for absorption
• How do alveoli contribute to gas exchange in lungs?

  They increase surface area for gas exchange
• What adaptations do insects have for gas exchange?

  Spiracles and tracheal systems
• How do gill filaments and lamellae aid fish in gas exchange?

  They increase surface area for oxygen absorption
• What adaptation do larger plants have for gas exchange?

  Broad and thin leaves
• How do capillary networks enhance gas exchange?

  They provide a large surface area
• What is the significance of surface area to volume ratio in organisms?

  • Affects efficiency of diffusion
  • Smaller organisms have larger ratios
  • Larger organisms require adaptations for exchange