According to Bergmann's Rule, why do larger bodies typically adapt to cold environments?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

Bergmann's Rule states that within a species, individuals in colder climates tend to have larger body sizes compared to those in warmer climates. This relationship is primarily attributed to the need for heat retention. Larger bodies have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, meaning they lose heat more slowly than smaller bodies. Consequently, this adaptation helps organisms to maintain their body temperature in cold environments. The increased mass allows for better insulation and reduces heat loss, which is crucial for survival in harsh climatic conditions.

While other factors like mobility, resource competition, and reproductive success are important in different contexts, they do not directly address the specific physiological adaptation of body size in relation to temperature regulation as highlighted by Bergmann's Rule.

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