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A general model for ontogenetic growth

A general model for ontogenetic growth Several equations have been proposed to describe ontogenetic growth trajectories for organisms justified primarily on the goodness of fit rather than on any biological mechanism 1,2,3,4,5,6 . Here, we derive a general quantitative model based on fundamental principles 7,8,9 for the allocation of metabolic energy between maintenance of existing tissue and the production of new biomass. We thus predict the parameters governing growth curves from basic cellular properties 10 and derive a single parameterless universal curve that describes the growth of many diverse species. The model provides the basis for deriving allometric relationships for growth rates and the timing of life history events 2,11,12 . http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Nature Springer Journals

A general model for ontogenetic growth

West, Geoffrey B.; Brown, James H.; Enquist, Brian J.
Nature , Volume 413 (6856) – Oct 11, 2001
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References (28)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2001 by Macmillan Magazines Ltd.
Subject
Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, multidisciplinary; Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, multidisciplinary; Science, multidisciplinary
ISSN
0028-0836
eISSN
1476-4687
DOI
10.1038/35098076
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Several equations have been proposed to describe ontogenetic growth trajectories for organisms justified primarily on the goodness of fit rather than on any biological mechanism 1,2,3,4,5,6 . Here, we derive a general quantitative model based on fundamental principles 7,8,9 for the allocation of metabolic energy between maintenance of existing tissue and the production of new biomass. We thus predict the parameters governing growth curves from basic cellular properties 10 and derive a single parameterless universal curve that describes the growth of many diverse species. The model provides the basis for deriving allometric relationships for growth rates and the timing of life history events 2,11,12 .

Journal

Nature – Springer Journals

Published: Oct 11, 2001

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