An Animal's Inputs of Energy and Materials Would Exceed Its

Question

An animal's inputs of energy and materials would exceed its outputs
A) if the animal is an endotherm, which must always take in more energy because of its high metabolic rate.
B) if it is actively foraging for food.
C) if it is hibernating.
D) if it is growing and increasing its mass.
E) never; homeostasis makes these energy and material budgets always balance.

Accepted Answer

An animal's inputs of energy and materials would exceed its outputs if it is growing and increasing its mass. This is because growth requires the accumulation of energy and materials to build new tissues, which means the animal must consume more than it expends or excretes.