Demystifying the West, Brown & Enquist model of the allometry of metabolism

摘要: Summary 1The allometry of metabolic rate has long been one the key relationships in ecology. While its existence is generally agreed on, exact value scaling exponent, and mechanisms that determine value, are still hotly debated. 2The network model West, Brown & Enquist (Science 276, 122–126, 1997) predicts a 3/4 but, although appealing, this not accepted. 3Here we reconstruct derive exponent clearer much more straightforward way requires weaker assumptions than original model. Specifically, self-similarity required. Our formulation can even be used if or several West et al. (1997) considered invalid. 4Moreover, provide formula for proportionality constant (i.e. intercept allometric relation) shows explicitly where factors as temperature stoichiometry affect metabolism.