Which type of organism generally consumes more food per body weight?

Homeotherms, or warm-blooded organisms, typically consume more food per body weight compared to poikilotherms, or cold-blooded organisms. This is primarily due to the metabolic processes required to maintain a constant internal body temperature, regardless of the external environment. Homeotherms regulate their body temperature through metabolic heat production, which demands a continuous and higher energy supply.

In contrast, poikilotherms rely on environmental temperatures to regulate their body heat. Their metabolic rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the ambient temperature, leading to a lower overall food consumption relative to their body weight when compared to homeotherms. This is because they enter states like torpor or reduced activity levels during unfavorable conditions, leading to decreased energy and food requirements.

Thus, the metabolic demands associated with maintaining a constant body temperature in homeotherms drive their need for a greater caloric intake in relation to their size.