Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The metabolic rate of an animal is the amount of ENERGY it uses in a given amount of time. It is measured in calories (cal—or in multiples of 1000 calories, kilo-calories—kcal) usually by determining the amount of heat an animal produces when placed in a CALORIMETER or by measuring OXYGEN used in RESPIRATION. Metabolic rate of course can change very much depending on what an animal is doing. BASAL METABOLIC RATE represents the amount of energy used by an ENDOTHERM at rest (across a normal range of temperatures) and with an empty stomach—that is, it represents the energy cost of simply being, rather than doing anything.
For an ECTOTHERM, the metabolic rate alters as a function of the ambient temperature, so one does not calculate a basal metabolic rate but specifies a STANDARD METABOLIC RATE at specified temperatures. It is a curious and unexplained fact that metabolic rate and body size are inversely correlated. Smaller animals have much higher metabolic rates than do larger ones.
See also: metabolism
Reference
Campbell N.A., Reece J.B. & Mitchell L.G. (1999) Biology, 5th edn, Addison-Wesley: Menlo Park CA.
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