Surface Area to Volume Ratio

• How does an organism's size relate to their surface area to volume ratio?

  The larger the organism, the lower their surface area to volume ratio.
• How does an organism's surface area to volume ratio affect their metabolic rate?

  The lower the surface area to volume ratio, the lower the metabolic rate.
• How might a large organism adapt to compensate for its low surface area to volume ratio?

  Developing a specialised gas exchange surface, to overcome the longer diffusion pathway.
• What adaptations to shape may a larger organism have to compensate for its low SA:V?

  Changes that increase surface area, such as body parts becoming larger (elephant ears) or elongating.