Different sized mammals have different surface area to volume ratios which affect their rate of heat loss and metabolic demands.
The table below shows the estimated surface areas and volumes of four different genera of mammals:
| Mammal genus | Surface area (1.8 × 10-3) | Volume (m3\text{m}^3m3) |
|---|---|---|
| Sorex | 1.8 × 10-3 | 1.2 × 10-5 |
| Rattus | 4.2 × 10-2 | 6.0 × 10-4 |
| Vulpes | 0.54 | 1.8 × 10-2 |
| Elephas | 21.0 | 3.5 |
Which of the options, A to D, is the correct order of surface area to volume ratios for the different mammals, arranged from the largest to the smallest?
Sorex, Rattus, Vulpes, Elephas
Sorex, Vulpes, Rattus, Elephas
Rattus, Vulpes, Sorex, Elephas
Elephas, Vulpes, Rattus, Sorex
