[Campbell Biology P.941] Based on the pie charts and the accompanying text, which of the fol... | Practice Question

Based on the pie charts and the accompanying text, which of the following energy expenditure categories is notably absent or significantly different in the ball python's energy budget compared to the penguin and deer mouse, and why?

  • A: Reproduction; because pythons do not lay eggs.
  • B: Thermoregulation; because pythons are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources, thus spending minimal energy internally on maintaining a constant body temperature.
  • C: Growth; because adult pythons stop growing once they reach maturity.
  • D: Basal (standard) metabolism; because pythons have very low metabolic rates.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that the ball python is 'ectothermic,' meaning it relies on external heat sources to regulate its body temperature. Unlike endothermic animals such as the penguin and deer mouse, ectotherms expend very little internal energy on thermoregulation, making this category largely absent or significantly reduced in their energy budget. The pie chart for the ball python visually confirms the absence of a 'Thermoregulation' wedge.