Modelling the BMR of Species in Middle-Earth

Krisho Manoharan, Skye Rosetti

Abstract


The aim of this paper is to model the metabolic rates of the different species inhabiting the fictional world of Middle Earth, from the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. Hobbits, humans and elves were modelled by considering animal analogues for the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Constants of proportionality were determined to modify human BMR for different heights and weights. It was found that hobbits have the highest resting metabolic rate, while elves have the lowest. This is attributed to size and loss of heat due to changes in the surface area to volume ratio.


Keywords


Book; Film; Biology; Metabolism; Tolkien; Middle Earth

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References


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Tolkien, J.R.R. (1954) The Lord of the Rings (Harper Collins), Prologue: Concerning Hobbits


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