[Campbell Biology P.744] According to the diagrams comparing surface area and volume, which ... | Practice Question

According to the diagrams comparing surface area and volume, which statement accurately describes the relationship shown between shape and surface area for a given volume?

  • A: All shapes with the same volume will have the same surface area.
  • B: A more compact, cube-like shape always has a greater surface area than an elongated shape of the same volume.
  • C: An elongated or less compact shape can have a greater surface area for the same volume compared to a more compact shape.
  • D: Surface area to volume ratio is irrelevant to material exchange efficiency.

Explanation

The diagrams clearly illustrate that for the same volume 27 cm³ , the elongated shape has a surface area of 78 cm², while the more compact cube has a surface area of 54 cm². This demonstrates that changing the shape to be less compact or more elongated can significantly increase surface area, which is vital for efficient biological exchange processes.