Answer to Question #99441 in Zoology for Helen Najera

Question

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of large body size for mammals that live in cold environments. Go beyond the information presented in the chapter.

Answer 1

The advantage of being larger body size in mammals those living in colder climates are they prevent themselves from being too much loss of heat from their body and therefore don't need to rely as much on consuming high calorie food, secondly they can store more reserve substances so that it allows them to go without food for longer periods and also more fat can be stored to conserve heat so that they can defend with the cold climate. According to Bergmann's rule larger animals have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which helps to reduce heat loss .

The disadvantage of being larger body size in mammals those living in colder climates are they need lots of food and space, and also they cannot hide from the predators because of their big size.