Among These Choices, the Most Energetically Efficient Locomotion Per Unit

Question

Among these choices, the most energetically efficient locomotion per unit mass is likely
A) running by a 50-gram rodent.
B) running by a 40-kg ungulate.
C) flying by a 100-g bird.
D) swimming by a 10-g minnow (bony fish).
E) swimming by a 100-kg tuna (bony fish).

Accepted Answer

Swimming by a 100-kg tuna is the most energetically efficient per unit mass because larger fish benefit from reduced drag and more efficient propulsion in water compared to smaller animals or those using other forms of locomotion like running or flying.