Question

You can estimate the contribution of each wedge in a pie chart by remembering that the entire circle represents 100%, half is 50%, and so on. What percent of the mouse's energy budget goes to basal metabolism? What percent of the penguin's budget is for activity?

Short answer

Twenty-five percent of the budget goes to basal metabolism in the mouse. In the given graph, a quarter of the entire circle is represented for basal metabolism. The penguin shows 50% of activity as per the graph because almost half the circle is represented for activity.

Step-by-step solution

Thermoregulation

Organisms constantly maintain their body temperature as per the surrounding environment, and this ability is called thermoregulation. The process of thermoregulation varies among organisms, and based on this difference, organisms are classified as ectotherms and endotherms.

Ectotherms and endotherms

Ectotherms are also called poikilotherms. These organisms regulate their body temperatures by deriving heat from external sources. Examples of ectotherms include cold-blooded animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, and some insects.

Endotherms are also called homeotherms. These organisms have adapted to certain physiological functions, such as homeostasis, to regulate the body temperature. Examples of endotherms include warm-blooded animals such as birds and mammals.

Thermoregulatory strategy in penguin and mouse

When organisms perform life-sustaining activities, it leads to the burning of energy, which regulates the body's temperature. Also, the basal metabolic rate measures the burning of energy. The burning of calories takes place from respiration, circulation, and other cellular activities.

As per the given pie chart, the basal metabolism in mouse is 25%. The quarter of the circle indicated by a light blue wedge is represented as the basal body.

The activities of the penguin include collecting food, incubating, and swimming. Half the circle in green wedges represents activity. Thus, the activity of the penguin is 50%.