Metabolic Rate Lab Report

Metabolic rate refers to the “amount of oxygen consumed by the body cells” (Farlex, n.d.). it can be affected by numerous factors, some of which being the mass of the animal, its physical activity and temperature. Invertebrates are able to live in highly variable conditions due to their metabolism having evolved over time. Homeotherms are animals that are able to maintain a specific body temperature without relying on the temperature from its surroundings. Poikilotherms on the other hand do the exact opposite; their body temperature is influenced by the temperature of its surroundings. In this experiment, the metabolic rate of three different animals; a Cockroach, Crab and Snail, will be determined through a process that involves the absorption of 〖CO〗_2 by
Remove the first gauze in order to place your animal inside and far down in the test tube as possible. Reinsert the gauze, making sure that it is placed as close as possible to the animal to hinder any movements. Each of these gauzes have a specific function; the one being closest to the bottom of the test tube is there to ensure the animal does not come into contact with the soda lime and the other is merely there for the restriction of movement as that has an effect on metabolism. Weigh the vial with the animal and record its mass. The difference of the two readings will give the mass of the individual animal. Repeat this for all three of the vials. However, one of the vials will not contain an animal and will be used as our control. This is to see whether or not there is any change not due to the animal. So in other words, this vial will be used as the correction factor. Once that has been done, seal the rubber stopper containing the pipette onto the vial with tape. Measure the temperature of the water in the bath using the thermometer. Place each vial into a suction cup mount and position them in the water bath such that they are facing