Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Determining Basal Energy Expenditure and the Capacity of Thermogenic Adipocytes to Expend Energy in Obese Mice
Published on: November 11, 2021
Minimal metabolic rate, what it is, its usefulness, and its relationship to the evolution of endothermy: a brief
1Adaptational and Evolutionary Respiratory Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia.
Abstract:
Minimal metabolic rate represents the minimal cost of living and appears to have the same relative composition of adenosine triphosphate processes in all organisms. Minimal metabolic rate is influenced by temperature and defines the standard metabolic rate (SMR) of animals. Animals that achieve SMR only for a given temperature are strictly ectothermic. Endotherms, on the other hand, are characterized by leakier membranes and an associated increase in cellular metabolism for a given temperature. The increase in cellular metabolism is coupled with an increase in heat production (i.e., obligatory thermogenesis) that, together with SMR, defines the basal metabolic rate of an endotherm. Consideration of minimal metabolic rate must take into account ecological and physiological processes, environmental influences, evolutionary arguments, and body size.
Related Concept Videos
Metabolic Rate
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence the...
Production Efficiency
What is Metabolism?
Thermoregulation
Body Temperature
Body Temperature
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...

