Due to their small, compact body size, what physiological tendency related to temperature regulation do bandicoots face?
Answer
A higher surface area to volume ratio, making them prone to rapid heat loss or gain
Small mammals, including bandicoots, inherently possess a high surface area to volume ratio compared to larger animals. This physical reality means that they exchange heat with their surroundings much more quickly. Consequently, they are highly susceptible to rapid temperature fluctuations; they can lose vital body heat quickly in cool conditions or gain excessive heat rapidly when exposed to warmth. Their strictly nocturnal habits are a direct behavioral adaptation to mitigate this vulnerability, ensuring they conduct essential foraging activities only when the intense daytime heat of much of their range subsides.
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