The metabolic rate of a frog in summer (at 35°C) is about eight times higher than in winter (at 5°C). Compare and contrast the frog's ability to move, exchange gases, and digest food at the two temperatures.
During which season will the frog require more food energy, and why?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that metabolic rate refers to the rate at which an organism converts food into energy. A higher metabolic rate means more energy is being used for bodily functions.
2. Recognize that temperature affects metabolic rate in ectotherms like frogs. At 35°C, the frog's metabolic rate is higher, meaning it will have more energy available for activities such as movement, gas exchange, and digestion.
3. Compare the frog's ability to move at different temperatures: At 35°C, the frog will be more active and capable of faster movements due to the higher metabolic rate. At 5°C, the frog's movements will be slower and more lethargic.
4. Analyze gas exchange: At 35°C, the frog's increased metabolic rate will enhance its respiratory rate, allowing for more efficient gas exchange. At 5°C, the reduced metabolic rate will slow down respiration, making gas exchange less efficient.
5. Determine food energy requirements: During summer at 35°C, the frog will require more food energy to sustain its higher metabolic rate and increased activity levels. In winter at 5°C, the frog's lower metabolic rate means it requires less food energy.

Key Concepts

Metabolic Rate

Metabolic rate refers to the amount of energy expended by an organism to maintain its bodily functions. In frogs, metabolic rate increases with temperature, meaning that at 35°C, the frog's metabolic processes are faster, requiring more energy compared to 5°C. This affects the frog's ability to move, exchange gases, and digest food efficiently.

Temperature Regulation in Ectotherms

Frogs are ectotherms, meaning their body temperature and metabolic processes are influenced by external temperatures. At higher temperatures, such as in summer, frogs experience increased enzyme activity, enhancing movement, gas exchange, and digestion. Conversely, in winter, lower temperatures slow these processes, reducing energy needs but also limiting activity.

Energy Requirements

Energy requirements in frogs are directly linked to their metabolic rate. In summer, when the metabolic rate is higher, frogs need more food energy to sustain increased activity levels and physiological processes. In winter, the lower metabolic rate means frogs require less food energy, as their bodily functions and movements are reduced.