The predominance of quarter-power scaling in biology

摘要: Summary 1. Recent studies have resurrected the debate over value for allometric scaling exponent that relates whole-organism metabolic rate to body size. Is it 3 / 4 or 2 ? This question has been raised before and resolved in favour of . Like previous ones, recent claims a are based almost entirely on basal (BMR) mammals. 2. Here we compile analyse new, larger data set mammalian BMR. We show interspecific variation BMR, as well field rates mammals, standard many other organisms, including vertebrates, invertebrates, protists plants, all scale with exponents whose confidence intervals include exclude Our analysis maximal gives slope is greater than both 3. Additionally, numerous physiological closely tied metabolism wide variety heart respiratory M − 1/4 4. The fact quarter-power so pervasive biology suggests different relations common, mechanistic origin provides an empirical basis theoretical models derive these exponents.