metabolic rate
A measure of the energy used by an animal in a given time period. The metabolic rate of an animal is affected by several interacting factors, including temperature and the level of activity. The ...
metabolism
The chemical and physiological processes by which the body builds and maintains itself and by which it breaks down food and nutrients to enable its continued growth and functioning.
standard metabolic rate
(SMR)The minimum metabolic rate needed to sustain life at a specified temperature. The SMR is measured in organisms that are resting in a post-absorptive state and in darkened conditions. Compare ...
