11. Can you think of any biological structure in a given environment where the most adaptive statemay actually be the condition where the SA:V ratio is actually minimized? In other words, whenmay it be a selective disadvantage to have a high surface area relative to the given volume?

Answered: 11. Can you think of any biological…

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)

11th Edition

ISBN:9780134580999

Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn

Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...

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11. Can you think of any biological structure in a given environment where the most adaptive state
may actually be the condition where the SA:V ratio is actually minimized? In other words, when
may it be a selective disadvantage to have a high surface area relative to the given volume?

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Step 1: Introduction

The surface area to volume ratio is the ratio of the total surface area of an object or organism to its total volume. It is usually expressed as square units (cm²) per cubic unit (cm³). It is abbreviated as SA:V or SA/V and, in biology, it describes the relationship between the size (volume) and the surface area of a biological structure or organism.

A high SA:V means that the volume is low and the surface area is high. It usually refers to the smaller organisms since their body volume is significantly lower than their total surface area of the body.
A low SA:V means that the volume is high of the organism compared to the SA. It usually refers to the larger organisms.

In single-celled organisms, as well as in larger organisms, the SA:V ratio is essential for determining how efficiently substances (such as nutrients and waste) can be exchanged with the environment through the cell membrane. A high SA:V ratio is favorable for efficient exchange.

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