When a shape doubles in all its linear dimensions (i.e.
all linear measure twice as long), it's surface area goes
up by 2^2 (2nd power) and volume by 2^3 (3rd power). In
general, surface area is a 2nd power of linear growth and
volume a 3rd power.
Therefore the ratio of surface to enclosed volume is not
a constant (decreases linearly). An adult human has a
Body Surface Area (BSA) enclosing relatively more volume
per increment than a child human.
end quote
Well, yes; but human proportions change with age, which offsets the
geometric relations a bit. Children do have a higher surface to mass ratio
than adults (they tolerate heat remarkably well, but are for more
susceptible to cold). An adult's limbs are proportionately longer, though
(missionaries used to judge when children were ready for school by when
they could reach one ear with the opposite hand across the top of their
heads; long legs are considered attractive, possibly because they are a
sign of sexual maturity). In the interest of realism, BSA calculations
should have a factor for age -- do they?
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