Sample size and the estimation of physiological parameters in the field

摘要: Summary 1Estimates of basal rate metabolism in fruit pigeons and flying foxes, derived from the mean individual means, were compared to obtained by pooling all data into a single estimate. 2Pooled estimates differ ≤1% rates means 7 10 species 4 11 foxes. 3The coefficient variation decreased with an increase number measurements per individual, which, given that was 8·4 3·8 partially accounts for smaller coefficients pigeons. 4The maximal absolute difference between within 8, beyond which remained constant. 5Repeated on usually gave estimate 2–8% species’ when eight or more made. 6. The analysis limited samples most often occurs study elusive endangered species, availability individuals is greatly limited.