Question
Biology Question on organisms and populations
According to Allen's Rule, the mammals from colder climates have
A
shorter ears and longer limbs
B
longer ears and shorter limbs
C
longer ears and longer limbs
D
shorter ears and shorter limbs
Answer
shorter ears and shorter limbs
Explanation
Solution
Animals in colder climates generally have shorter ears and limbs. This is known as Allen's rule. It is a mechanism to conserve heat by checking heat loss from the body. Heat gain can be maximised and heat loss can be minimised by decreasing the surface area to volume ratio of body. In the polar regions, small animals are rarely found because of their more surface area and less volume.