The Fourth Dimension of Life: Fractal Geometry and Allometric Scaling of Organisms
Fractal networks add effective dimensionality to biological scaling
This follow-up paper extended the fractal scaling model, showing that fractal resource distribution networks effectively add a 'fourth dimension' to biological scaling. The work demonstrated that fractal geometry allows organisms to transcend simple geometric scaling constraints.
For organizations, this suggests that fractal hierarchies similarly enable scaling beyond what flat structures could achieve - reaching all 'tissues' (employees, customers, locations) with finite infrastructure.
Key Findings from West et al. (1999)
- Fractal networks add effective dimensionality to biological scaling
- Quarter-power scaling laws are universal across life
- Fractal structure enables efficient resource distribution at all scales
- Lifespan scales as mass^0.25
- Heart rate scales as mass^-0.25
- All quarter-power relationships emerge from fundamental 3/4 metabolic scaling
Used in 2 chapters
See how this research informs the book's frameworks:
Extended fractal scaling model showing fractal resource distribution networks effectively add a 'fourth dimension' to biological scaling.
See fourth dimension scaling →Extended fractal network model to explain quarter-power scaling across lifespan, heart rate, and all time-dependent biological variables.
See temporal scaling laws →