Biology of Business

Biology

Allometric

By Alex Denne

Describing growth or scaling relationships where different parts or properties change at different rates relative to body size. Contrasts with isometric (proportional) scaling.

Used in the Books

This term appears in 5 chapters:

Foundations Metabolism and Burn Rate

"...rate scales with body mass to the 0.75 power rather than linearly West, G.B., Brown, J.H., & Enquist, B.J. (1997). A general model for the origin of allometric scaling laws in biology. Science, 276(5309), 122-126. - Theoretical framework explaining Kleiber's Law through fractal network theory of resource d..."

Resource Dynamics Nutrient Networks

"... following same principles as animal circulatory systems West, Geoffrey B., James H. Brown, and Brian J. Enquist. "A General Model for the Origin of Allometric Scaling Laws in Biology." Science 276, no. 5309 (1997): 122-126. > Supports: Universal scaling laws in biological branching networks; fractal g..."

Growth Stages Growth Limits

""Body size and metabolism." Hilgardia, 6(11), 315-353. - West, G.B., Brown, J.H., & Enquist, B.J. (1997). "A general model for the origin of allometric scaling laws in biology." Science, 276(5309), 122-126. Square-Cube Law and Physical Constraints - Haldane, J.B.S. (1928)."

Scale and Complexity Scaling Laws

"When b equals one, the relationship is isometric - double the size, double the property. When b differs from one, it's allometric - double the size, and the property changes by 2^b. Most biological and organizational properties scale allometrically."

Scale and Complexity Fractal Geometry

"(1963). Morphometry of the Human Lung. Springer-Verlag. 5. West, G.B., Brown, J.H., & Enquist, B.J. (1997). "A General Model for the Origin of Allometric Scaling Laws in Biology." Science, 276(5309), 122-126. 6. West, G.B., Brown, J.H., & Enquist, B.J. (1999)."

Biological Context

Brain size scales allometrically with body size—larger animals have proportionally smaller brains. Leg bones become proportionally thicker in larger animals to support greater weight. Allometric relationships reflect the physical constraints that change with scale.

Related Terms

Tags

scalinggrowthmorphology