Citation
O. Dreyer et R. Puzio, Allometric scaling in animals and plants, J MATH BIOL, 43(2), 2001, pp. 144-156
Citations number
14
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary
Journal title
JOURNAL OF MATHEMATICAL BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
03036812
→ ACNP
Volume
43
Issue
2
Year of publication
2001
Pages
144 - 156
Database
ISI
SICI code
0303-6812(200108)43:2<144:ASIAAP>2.0.ZU;2-M
Abstract
In this paper we give a derivation for the allometric scaling relation betw
een the metabolic rate and the mass of animals and plants. We show that the
characteristic scaling exponent of 3/4 occurring in this relation is a res
ult of the distribution of sources and sinks within the living organism. We
further introduce a principle of least mass and discuss the kind of flows
that arise from it.