To Accommodate for Their High Surface to Volume Ratio, Smaller

Question

To accommodate for their high surface to volume ratio, smaller mammals
A) reduce the size of each alveolus.
B) increase alveolar density.
C) increase the density of capillaries used in gas exchange.
D) reduce the size of each alveolus and increase alveolar density.
E) all of these.

Accepted Answer

Smaller mammals have a high surface to volume ratio, which necessitates efficient gas exchange to meet their metabolic demands. To accommodate this, they adapt by reducing the size of each alveolus, increasing alveolar density, and increasing the density of capillaries used in gas exchange. These adaptations maximize the surface area available for gas exchange, ensuring that oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal are optimized to support their higher metabolic rates.