A young snake eats and digests a mouse. The increase in the snake’s mass equals?? plss help
less than the mass of the mouse
the mouse is not 100% "utilized" by the snake
To calculate the increase in the snake's mass after eating and digesting a mouse, we need to consider the mass of the mouse and the efficiency of the snake's digestion process.
1. Determine the mass of the mouse: Let's say the mouse has a mass of 10 grams.
2. Consider the efficiency of digestion: Snakes are not 100% efficient in converting the mass of the prey into their own mass. The efficiency typically ranges from 50% to 90%. Let's assume an efficiency of 70% for this calculation.
3. Calculate the increase in mass: Multiply the mass of the mouse by the digestion efficiency:
Increase in mass = Mass of the mouse x Digestion efficiency
= 10 grams x 0.70
= 7 grams
Therefore, the increase in the snake's mass after eating and digesting a mouse would be 7 grams.
To determine the increase in the snake's mass after eating and digesting a mouse, we need to understand the concept of energy conservation.
When the snake eats the mouse, it gains energy in the form of calories stored in the mouse's body. The snake then metabolizes the mouse's tissues for energy, nutrients, and growth.
To calculate the increase in the snake's mass, we need to consider two factors: the mass of the mouse consumed and the efficiency of the snake's digestion and metabolism.
1. Mass of the mouse consumed: You need to know the mass of the mouse in order to calculate its contribution to the snake's mass. Let's assume the mouse weighs 20 grams.
2. Efficiency of digestion and metabolism: Not all the mass of the mouse will be converted directly into the snake's mass. Digestion involves breaking down complex molecules into simpler forms that the snake's body can absorb and use. There will be energy losses in the form of waste products, heat, and metabolic processes.
Efficiency varies among species and depends on various factors such as temperature and the snake's health. As an estimate, the efficiency of digestion and metabolism in snakes is usually around 70-90%.
Now we can calculate the increase in the snake's mass:
Step 1: Convert the mass of the mouse into kilograms (since we will use SI units). Therefore, 20 grams = 0.02 kilograms.
Step 2: Determine the efficiency of digestion and metabolism. Let's assume a value of 80% for this example.
Step 3: Calculate the increase in the snake's mass. Multiply the mass of the mouse consumed by the efficiency of digestion and metabolism.
0.02 kg (mouse's mass) * 0.8 (efficiency) = 0.016 kg
Therefore, the increase in the snake's mass after eating and digesting the mouse would be approximately 0.016 kilograms or 16 grams.