A Common Rule for the Scaling of Carnivore Density

摘要: Population density in plants and animals is thought to scale with size as a result of mass-related energy requirements. Variation resources, however, naturally limits population may alter expected scaling patterns. We develop test general model for variation within between species across the order Carnivora. find that 10,000 kilograms prey supports about 90 given carnivore, irrespective body mass, ratio carnivore number biomass scales reciprocal mass. Using mass-specific equations productivity, we show per unit productivity mass near -0.75, rule can predict more than three orders magnitude. The relationship provides basis identifying declining require conservation measures.