Explain why it would be impossible for a gorilla the size of King Kong to have fur. (Your answer should explain how the surface area to volume ratio of a normal-sized gorilla would compare to Kong's; relate this to the role of surface area and volume in heat generation and heat transfer, and consider the function of fur.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of surface area to volume ratio (SA:V ratio) and its importance in biology. The SA:V ratio decreases as the size of an organism increases. This means that larger organisms have relatively less surface area compared to their volume.
2. Relate the SA:V ratio to heat generation and heat transfer. Larger animals generate more heat internally due to their greater volume, but have relatively less surface area to lose this heat. This can lead to overheating if not managed properly.
3. Consider the function of fur in normal-sized gorillas. Fur acts as an insulator, reducing heat loss from the body through the surface. It helps to maintain body temperature in colder environments.
4. Apply these concepts to a hypothetical gorilla the size of King Kong. Due to the extremely low SA:V ratio, such a large creature would generate a vast amount of internal heat. With relatively less surface area to dissipate this heat, retaining fur would exacerbate the risk of overheating.
5. Conclude that a gorilla the size of King Kong would likely need adaptations to enhance heat loss rather than retain it. Lack of fur or having thinner or less dense fur could be such an adaptation, helping to prevent overheating by allowing more heat to escape from the body.