JIGO L. BIYOYO GR.

12 STEM (Maxwell)
EAAP December 7, 2018

A COMPARISON OF METABOLIC RATES OF POIKILOTHERMIC TO LARGE AND

SMALL HOEMOTHERMIC MAMMALS

ABSTRACT

Basal metabolic rate is the minimal wakeful energy expenditure which is influenced

by factors such as sex and diet. Homeothermic mammals regulate their body

temperatures, and hence their energy expenditure, to a relatively constant and high rate.

In contrast, poikilothermic animals assume the temperature of their surroundings, and

their only method of controlling this method is by behavior. This study aimed to determine

whether metabolic rates of poikilothermic animals are greater than or equal to those of

homeothermic animals and that metabolic rates of large homeotherms are greater than

or equal to those of small homeotherms. Ten mice and 10 frogs were placed in separate

metabolism chambers containing a layer of soda lime. Then, the chambers were sealed

with a large rubber stopper fitted with a moistened, calibrated glass tube. After a 15 min

equilibration period, the tube was sealed with soap bubbles. The metabolic rates of 10

human subjects were determined using a Benedict-Roth metabolism apparatus and

Student’s “t-test” were used to assess the statistical significance. The results of the study

show that metabolic rates of homeotherms were statistically significantly higher than

those of poikilotherms.