,ZOL2601 Assignment 4 Semester 1 Memo | Due 13
May 2025.
All questions fully answered. Answer all five questions (total of
50 marks) Question 1 [10] Explain briefly in your own words
how measuring CO2 production can be used to estimate the
metabolic rate of animals. Discuss at least two approaches in
this context. Question 2 [6] Provide a short overview and
explanation of organisms that store energy in the form of
glycogen. Also briefly explain why migrating birds do not store
energy as glycogen. Question 3 [10] Use diagrams and
equations to distinguish between the three general types of
allometric relationships. Question 4 [14] The table below
provides respiration rates at various temperatures for two
different species. Species A Species B Temperature (°C) O2
consumed (ml kg-1 hr-1) O2 consumed (ml kg-1 hr-1) 23 32 32
31 32 55 4.1. Calculate the Q10 values for oxygen consumption
rates for each of the two species. Show all your calculations. (8)
4.2. Based on the Q10 values, discuss which of the two species
is likely to be threatened more by extreme heat events in its
environment. Include in your answer a clear explanation of
what the Q10 values mean and speculate on the types of
organisms that may be represented by A and B (6) Question 5
[10] Draw an acclimation graph to illustrate the thermal
tolerance range of a hypothetical species for which the
following data is available: Acclimation temperature (°C) Lower
, lethal temperature (°C) Upper lethal temperature (°C) 15 5 40
20 5 42 25 5 45 30 8 45 35 10 45
Question 1 [10]
How measuring CO₂ production estimates metabolic rate in
animals; two approaches
The metabolic rate of animals reflects how much energy they
use over time. One way to estimate this is by measuring the
amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced during cellular
respiration, as it is a byproduct of energy metabolism.
Approach 1: Indirect Calorimetry (Respirometry)
This method measures either CO₂ production or O₂
consumption (or both) to infer metabolic rate.
During aerobic respiration:
Glucose + O2→CO2+H2O+Energy\text{Glucose + O}_2 \
rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \
text{Energy}Glucose + O2→CO2+H2O+Energy
By placing an animal in a sealed chamber and monitoring
the rate of CO₂ accumulation, we estimate energy use.
Using known Respiratory Quotients (RQ) (CO₂
produced/O₂ consumed), one can calculate calories
expended per unit CO₂.
Approach 2: Doubly Labeled Water Method
May 2025.
All questions fully answered. Answer all five questions (total of
50 marks) Question 1 [10] Explain briefly in your own words
how measuring CO2 production can be used to estimate the
metabolic rate of animals. Discuss at least two approaches in
this context. Question 2 [6] Provide a short overview and
explanation of organisms that store energy in the form of
glycogen. Also briefly explain why migrating birds do not store
energy as glycogen. Question 3 [10] Use diagrams and
equations to distinguish between the three general types of
allometric relationships. Question 4 [14] The table below
provides respiration rates at various temperatures for two
different species. Species A Species B Temperature (°C) O2
consumed (ml kg-1 hr-1) O2 consumed (ml kg-1 hr-1) 23 32 32
31 32 55 4.1. Calculate the Q10 values for oxygen consumption
rates for each of the two species. Show all your calculations. (8)
4.2. Based on the Q10 values, discuss which of the two species
is likely to be threatened more by extreme heat events in its
environment. Include in your answer a clear explanation of
what the Q10 values mean and speculate on the types of
organisms that may be represented by A and B (6) Question 5
[10] Draw an acclimation graph to illustrate the thermal
tolerance range of a hypothetical species for which the
following data is available: Acclimation temperature (°C) Lower
, lethal temperature (°C) Upper lethal temperature (°C) 15 5 40
20 5 42 25 5 45 30 8 45 35 10 45
Question 1 [10]
How measuring CO₂ production estimates metabolic rate in
animals; two approaches
The metabolic rate of animals reflects how much energy they
use over time. One way to estimate this is by measuring the
amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced during cellular
respiration, as it is a byproduct of energy metabolism.
Approach 1: Indirect Calorimetry (Respirometry)
This method measures either CO₂ production or O₂
consumption (or both) to infer metabolic rate.
During aerobic respiration:
Glucose + O2→CO2+H2O+Energy\text{Glucose + O}_2 \
rightarrow \text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \
text{Energy}Glucose + O2→CO2+H2O+Energy
By placing an animal in a sealed chamber and monitoring
the rate of CO₂ accumulation, we estimate energy use.
Using known Respiratory Quotients (RQ) (CO₂
produced/O₂ consumed), one can calculate calories
expended per unit CO₂.
Approach 2: Doubly Labeled Water Method
