The term for the rate at which energy is consumed by an organism is called metabolic rate. It reflects the energy expenditure necessary for maintaining vital physiological functions, including growth, repair, and reproduction. Metabolic rates can vary significantly among species, influencing their survival strategies. Factors such as temperature, age, and activity level can affect metabolic rate, delineating the energy demands of different organisms. Understanding metabolic rates is essential for ecology and physiology, providing insight into how organisms interact with their environments.