If an animal spends 6 hours a day chasing prey (50 kJ/hr) and 18 hours a day resting (10 kJ/hr), its average hourly cost of behavior is _______ kJ/hr.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The average hourly cost is calculated by taking the total energy expenditure for the day and dividing it by 24 hours. The animal spends 6 hours chasing prey (6 * 50 kJ = 300 kJ) and 18 hours resting (18 * 10 kJ = 180 kJ). The total energy expenditure is 300 kJ + 180 kJ = 480 kJ. Dividing by 24 hours gives an average of 20 kJ/hr.

If an Animal Spends 6 Hours a Day Chasing Prey