Which organism has a larger surface area to volume ratio: a bacterium or a hedgehog?bacteriumhedgehog

The bacterium has a larger surface area to volume ratio than a hedgehog.

Here's why:

1. The surface area to volume ratio is a measure of the amount of surface area per unit volume of an object. It is calculated by dividing the surface area by the volume.

2. Smaller organisms, like bacteria, tend to have larger surface area to volume ratios. This is because as an object decreases in size, its surface area decreases at a slower rate than its volume.

3. A bacterium, being much smaller than a hedgehog, has a larger surface area relative to its volume. This allows for a greater exchange of substances with its environment, which is crucial for its survival.

4. On the other hand, a hedgehog, being a larger organism, has a smaller surface area to volume ratio. This means it has less surface area relative to its volume for exchanging substances with its environment.

So, in conclusion, a bacterium has a larger surface area to volume ratio than a hedgehog.