Size Matters: Temperature Change in Badgers

Abstract

Abstract

Biologists have been studying the sizes of badgers in different locations around the world that differ in climates and central locations. They have collected data on different badgers including their habitat, body length and mass to determine whether larger objects with a greater surface to volume ratio will retain heat better compared to smaller objects. Other research conducted on this topic has not adequately explained the reasoning behind this mystery unlike the research that we have done here. To tackle this question we came up with a testable hypothesis. To test this hypothesis we conducted an experiment using four different sizes of clay, temperature probes to measure the change in temperature over time when the clay was placed in ice water compared to heated water. We conducted this experiment twice to account for human error. The first experiment showed some contradicting data. The second experiment showed more clear data but was essentially the same as the first. This experiment supports our hypothesis that animals with a smaller surface area to volume ratio retain heat more efficiently. From the research we conducted our findings have led to a greater understanding concept of surface area to volume ratio to heat retaining in object sizes.