Using Mammal Skins to Investigate the Relationship between Surface-Area-to- Volume Ratio and Mass of Two Size Classes Mammals

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2011, Volume 32

William V. Glider

Abstract

In many biological investigations, measurement data are often collected to determine if there is a relationship between two or more variables. In this exercise students estimate the surface area and volume of small and medium sized Nebraska mammals. From these data the students determine if there is a relationship between the surface area to volume ratio (SA/V) and size (mass) of the mammal. The surface area and volume measurements of the mammals are estimated using the geometric formulas for cones (head) and cylinders (trunk). The wet weight (mass) of each mammal was recorded on the original specimen tag. The data collected from this exercise also can be used to initiate discussions of a variety of concepts including: correlation vs. cause and effect, why cells are small, the importance of mitochondrial cristae, metabolic rates, hibernation, and torpor. This lab exercise has been used in both majors and non-majors introductory biology courses employing both traditional and investigative approaches.

Keywords:  metabolism, surface area

Dalhousie University (2010)