Endothermy allows high metabolism and activity in varied environments; what is a consequence of this trait?

• A. Lower metabolic rate in cold climates.
• B. High metabolic rate enabling sustained activity in cold and hot environments.
• C. Inability to maintain body temperature without external heat.
• D. Immediate dependence on sun exposure for warmth.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that endothermy means animals generate most of their own heat through a high metabolic rate, which allows them to keep a relatively stable body temperature and stay active across a wide range of environments. Because they produce heat internally, they can sustain high levels of activity even when external temperatures are cold or hot.

This leads to the consequence that endothermy supports a high metabolic rate enabling sustained activity in cold and hot environments. The animal isn’t relying on the environment to warm up or slow down; its own metabolism powers movement and temperature regulation, so it can stay active in diverse climates.

Why the other possibilities don’t fit: a lower metabolic rate in cold climates would make maintaining body heat difficult, which contradicts endothermy. an inability to maintain body temperature without external heat describes ectothermy, not endothermy. immediate dependence on sun exposure for warmth would also conflict with generating heat internally, which is a hallmark of endothermy.