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Multiple Choice
What is the main difference between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and standard metabolic rate (SMR) in animals?
A
SMR is measured only during periods of physical activity, while BMR is measured during sleep.
B
BMR and SMR are identical terms used interchangeably for all animal groups.
C
BMR is always higher than SMR in all animals regardless of temperature.
D
BMR is measured in endotherms under resting, fasting, and thermoneutral conditions, while SMR is measured in ectotherms under similar conditions at a specific temperature.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definitions of basal metabolic rate (BMR) and standard metabolic rate (SMR). BMR refers to the metabolic rate of endotherms (warm-blooded animals) measured under specific conditions: resting, fasting, and thermoneutral environments. SMR refers to the metabolic rate of ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) measured under similar conditions but at a specific temperature.
Recognize the key difference between endotherms and ectotherms. Endotherms maintain a constant internal body temperature regardless of external conditions, while ectotherms rely on external temperatures to regulate their body temperature.
Note that BMR is measured under thermoneutral conditions, meaning the external temperature does not require the animal to expend energy for thermoregulation. SMR, on the other hand, is measured at a specific external temperature because ectotherms' metabolic rates are influenced by environmental temperature.
Clarify that BMR and SMR are not interchangeable terms. They apply to different groups of animals (endotherms and ectotherms) and are measured under distinct conditions.
Understand that the correct answer highlights the distinction: BMR is measured in endotherms under resting, fasting, and thermoneutral conditions, while SMR is measured in ectotherms under similar conditions at a specific temperature.