scaling laws
What scaling laws means in Biology GCSE, as defined for OCR.
Definition of scaling laws
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain scaling laws in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
As an organism increases in linear dimensions, volume expands as the cube of length while surface area increases only as the square.
Topics that use scaling laws
- The challenges of size (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- active transport of minerals
- arteries
- blood plasma
- boundary layer
- compound measures
- diffusion distances
- double circulatory system
- erythrocyte adaptations
Using scaling laws in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
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